Leading the sod turning of Section 2 of the Glen Innes to Tamaki Drive shared path (from left) Waka Kotahi Senior Manager System Design, Robyn Elston; Ngati Whatua Orakei, Clay Hawke; Associate Transport Minister, Julie Anne Genter; Auckland Mayor, Phil Goff; Transport Minister Phil Twyford; Auckland Councillor, Desley Simpson.
Shared pathway BOOST FOR CYCLISTS
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lthough the Southern Motorway is generally considered the most direct route to the city for commuters from Auckland’s south east, a great many prefer to cut through Panmure and Glen Innes before travelling along Tamaki Drive to the CBD. Keen cyclists often prefer to take this route too and, now, in a major boost for cycling (and walking), construction was set to start in the spring of 2020 on section 2 of the Glen Innes to Tamaki Drive Shared Path. Section 2 will close the gap in the 7km shared path between sections 1 and 3, which are already open. The complete pathway is being jointly delivered by Waka Kotahi and Auckland Transport. Auckland Transport will deliver section 4. Waka Kotahi senior manager project delivery, Andrew Thackwray said in August 2020 that at just under 3km in length, Section 2 runs from St Johns Road to Orakei Basin and is the longest of the path’s four sections. “There will be sections of concrete path, raised boardwalks through native bush and bridges over a gully and a railway line. It’s expected to be completed by mid-2022 at a cost of $55m,” he said. The shared path will connect with and expand the Auckland Cycle Network. It aligns with the long-term vision of Waka Kotahi AT, and Auckland Council to build world class infrastructure that promotes walking and cycling as safe and convenient transport choices. “Creating safe and well-connected walking and cycling routes encourages more people to walk or ride bikes as part of their regular commuting, which helps reduce traffic congestion on our roads and lowers carbon emissions,” Mr Thackwray said.
“Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai (the path of land and sea) is expected to become one of the city’s most scenic walking and cycling routes and be popular with commuters and others using it for fitness and recreation. We’ll keep the gradients on the path and bridges as low as possible to ensure accessibility for all.” The Glen Innes to Tamaki Drive Shared Path will be a direct link from the eastern suburbs to the upgraded Tamaki Drive Cycle Route, which is one of the busiest cycle routes to the city. From there, people will be able to access other routes on the city’s connected cycle network including the Northern Pathway across the Auckland Harbour Bridge to the city’s northern suburbs.
Section 2 of the pathway crosses complex topography and geotech conditions. The sensitive environment requires careful management of earthworks to minimise ground disturbance and the construction of bridges to protect significant vegetation and the historic Pourewa Stream. There will be extensive planting and vegetation restoration. Pest plant and weed eradication will be carried out, supporting the restoration efforts of community groups and the Orakei Local Board. Waka Kotahi, construction partner, CLL Service and Solutions, and mana whenua will work closely together to manage the impact of the pathway on the land and its history. Design and Build South East — 2020-2021 — 23
