New cycleway/walkway officially opened

Dunedin (Tuesday, 6 October 2015) – Dunedin City Council today officially opened the new cycleway and walkway linking the wharf area with the west harbour near Forsyth Barr Stadium.

The walkway/cycleway completes the connection between the eastern and western parts of the harbour cycle network and also means safer and easier access for people going to the stadium.

It includes well-lit shared paths across and under the State Highway 88 bridge over the Leith and connects with Wickliffe Street near the corner of Fryatt Street.

Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull says, "The completion of this particular walkway/cycleway is an important milestone in Dunedin's wider transport network. It 'closes the loop' on the harbour cycle network and also provides better connectivity and safety for a range of users."

Council's Infrastructure Services Committee Chair Cr Kate Wilson says, "I'm very pleased to see the extension of this shared path providing better connectivity towards the centre of town from State Highway 88."

Cr Wilson says the new link will be great for families gaining confidence on bikes and she's now looking forward to further cycleway extensions which will open up cycling over time for many more commuters and recreational riders.

The completion of the new link also has several benefits for people going to Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Dunedin Venues Chief Operating Officer Coryn Huddy says, "It is now a safer journey for stadium patrons because they no longer have to cross the busy State Highway 88."

"There is also faster access to the venue with walking times reduced by around 10 minutes for people parking in the vicinity of Fryatt Street. There are potentially more car parking options available as well because other spaces near the harbour may previously have been considered too far to walk," Mr Huddy says.

The new cycleway/walkway project cost a total of $440,000.

ENDS

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