Deputy Mayor And The Minister For Auckland Turn The First Sod For Final Section Of Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai
Auckland is one step closer to having a safe, accessible and iconic path connecting the Eastern Bays and city centre as work begins on the final stage of Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai – the Glen Innes to Tāmaki Drive shared path.
Jointly funded by the Government and Auckland Council, the Glen Innes to Tāmaki Dr shared path – 'Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai' (the path of land and sea) is a 7km path that connects Glen Innes, Meadowbank, Kohimarama with the city centre via Ōrākei Basin, Hobson Bay and Tāmaki Drive.
Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson, Minister for Auckland Simeon Brown Ōrākei Local Board Chairperson Scott Milne and Deputy Chair Sarah Powrie, and AT Board Chair Richard Leggat gathered in Ōrākei earlier this afternoon to turn the first sod for the shared path's vital final stage.
Works on the fourth and final section, an 870m concrete boardwalk in Hobson Bay next to Ngapipi Road, began this week and will take around 20 months to complete. This final section will replace the temporary walking and cycling path on Ngapipi Road installed as an interim measure to offer a safer link to Tāmaki Drive.
Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Ta already becoming a cherished community asset
As well as providing improved travel options for the local community, the completed sections of the path have already become a popular visitor attraction says Deputy Mayor and Ōrākei Ward Councillor Desley Simpson.
'The Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai (the path of land and sea) is not only a stunning community asset which locals have advocated for over a decade, but also a great visitor attraction as well due to its proximity to the city centre,' Councillor Simpson says.
'The path runs through lush green spaces and across the water linking to other walkways around the Ōrākei Basin and Hobson Bay. Whether commuting or exploring, people of all ages can safely experience Auckland's stunning natural environment by foot, scooter, or bicycle.
'Already cherished by the community, the pathway's upcoming Stage 4 completion will open this coastal treasure to even more people. With construction underway, there's a real buzz of anticipation (relief) in the air by many who have wanted to see this main route finally competed,' she says.
Boardwalk rest area and ramp included following community feedback
Ōrākei Local Board Chairperson Scott Milne says the community is excited about this final section and work getting underway
'This pathway is not just one of the most impressive transport solutions in New Zealand, it is an exercise opportunity, a sightseeing opportunity and a feel-good opportunity,' Mr Mline says.
'We already have some great connections to the path along the route and there will be more over time as funding becomes available.
'Auckland Transport listened to community feedback and have included a rest area for people to take in the surroundings and where the boardwalk connects to the reserve on Ngapipi Road a ramp is being provided for ongoing water access.'
Shared path giving Eastern Bays communities real travel choices
With more than 6km of Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai already completed, the shared path is already proving hugely popular and providing Eastern Bays communities with great transport choices, says AT Board Chair Richard Leggat.
'Hundreds of people already use the shared path each day and that number will grow sharply when this final section is completed,' Mr Leggat says.
'This shared path benefits everyone who lives in this wider part of Auckland, because providing safer travel choices for those who want to walk and cycle helps reduce congestion on local roads for those driving.
'Connecting to the popular Tāmaki Drive shared path, this connection is part of a growing network of walking and cycling routes that provides Aucklanders and visitors with improved travel choice.
'People can also walk, cycle or scooter on the path to the Glen Innes, Meadowbank or Ōrākei Train stations to travel across the region on Auckland Transport's public transport network.'
The design of the boardwalk has been carefully developed to minimise the effects of construction and the long-term infrastructure on the tidal inlet ecosystem of Hobson Bay.
The boardwalk has been carefully designed to blend in the with local environment, with a textured finish on the piles that will darken over time and will encourage healthy marine growth. It features concrete piles, a concrete deck and steel balustrades meaning it will be built to last in the tough marine environment.
Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai – the path of land to sea
Te Ara Ki Uta Ki Tai is a 7 km-long shared path from Merton Road near Glen Innes Train Station, to Tāmaki Drive – allowing people to walk, run or cycle from Auckland's eastern suburbs to the Waitematā Harbour.
The path is one of the city's most scenic walking and cycling routes, travelling through reserves, native bush and crossing the waters of both Ōrākei Basin and Hobson Bay.
The shared path connects with other paths, cycle routes, walkways and public transport along the way, giving locals more options to get around the city and to travel locally to shops, schools and parks.
The route appeals to people commuting into the city and locally, as well as those using the path for fitness and recreation.
The shared path has been designed with the help of Mana Whenua, key stakeholders and the local community.
Key features include:
A path width of approximately 4.5m – plenty of room for the demand we expect to see when the final section is completed.
Gradient and rest areas designed for accessibility for a range of users.
Smooth concrete surface material for the comfort and safety.
Built to last with concrete piling and decks and steel balustrades.
The path is fully separated from on-road traffic.
The path includes good lighting to extend the hours people will be comfortable using it, particularly during winter months.
Section 4 – Ōrākei Train Station to Tāmaki Drive
Work on Section 4 began on Monday 28 April with the beginning of site establishment works. Construction is expected to be completed and the path opened by the end of 2026.
AT has awarded HEB Construction the construction contract for Section 4, with a contract value of $28.1 million.
The boardwalk is 870m long and 4.5m wide and will from Ōrākei Road (by Purewa Bridge) to Whakatakataka Reserve, connecting Ngapipi Road.
The boardwalk has a low (1.2m) balustrade, so people can take in views of the surrounding environment, includes a rest area, unobtrusive lighting and CCTV for the safety for all users.
More than 80% of submitters on the public consultation on Section 4 said they liked the design.
Work should not be too disruptive for locals, with most work occurring from barges in the bay. Laydown areas will be set up in Whakatakataka Reserve and at the rear of the Orakei Train Station carpark along with a site compound.
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