Auckland CBD boost for city's cyclists

Cyclists are being encouraged by the NZ Transport Agency and Auckland Transport (AT) to make use of the latest addition to the city’s cycling/walking network in Grafton Gully alongside the CBD.

The 300 metre-long cycleway – between Grafton Road and Alten Road - opens next Tuesday (16 July). It is the first stage of the 1.9 kilometre-long project to extend the popular Northwestern cycleway into the city centre and university campuses.

The Transport Agency’s State Highways Manager for Auckland and Northland, Tommy Parker, says the extension is giving people more transport choices.

“There are already 700 trips daily on the Northwestern cycleway, and the Grafton Gully extension will encourage even more people to use this link,” Mr Parker says. “When completed, the extension will be a practical alternative to the car, creating a safer route into the heart of the city and help tackle congestion.”

The completed Grafton Gully Cycleway will cost $11m, and is jointly funded by the NZTA, Auckland Council and Auckland Transport.

Mr Parker says walkers are not being overlooked. The new cycleway is 4m wide and provides comfortable space for walkers and cyclists to share the new link.

Auckland Transport’s Chief Operating Officer Greg Edmonds says it is great to see Aucklanders getting more transport options.

“We hope this cycleway will be a popular choice for cyclists and walkers heading into the city.” says Mr Edmonds.

The next stage of works will be the extension of the Grafton Gully link from Beach Road in Parnell to the city’s waterfront to connect with the shared cycleway/walkway along Tamaki Drive.

Next Tuesday, people will be able to take advantage of free bike health checks when the extension opens at 7.30am.

Details:-
Date: Tuesday 16 July
Time: 7.30-8.30am
Location: Starting point - 20 Grafton Road,

Hawkins Construction is delivering the Grafton Gully project for the NZ Transport Agency.

www.nzta.govt.nz

ENDS

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