Public engagement to begin on SeaPath walking and cycling route

The NZ Transport Agency has developed a proposed route for the SeaPath walking and cycling path on Auckland’s North Shore and will present it at public engagement events this month.

The proposed route is being investigated as part of the Detailed Business Case process. It generally runs alongside the Northern Motorway (SH1) between Esmonde Road, Takapuna and Northcote Point and the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

During community consultation for SeaPath in 2016, more than 2,600 people provided feedback, with over 95% indicating support for the 3km walking and cycling link.

The landward option is proposed for its connectivity, cost and environmental benefits and has been carried forward into a Detailed Business Case which is due for completion by the end of this year. The Detailed Business Case will propose a plan for delivering the project.

SeaPath may be delivered in two stages; the first stage from Onewa Road to Esmonde Road and connecting with the existing Northcote Safe Cycle Route in the area. The second stage will connect Onewa Road to the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

The Transport Agency has also commenced a Detailed Business Case for the consented SkyPath – a walking and cycling path across the Auckland Harbour Bridge - to be completed in the first half of 2019.

Once the Detailed Business Cases are complete, we expect to have greater certainty around the design, construction and opening timeframes for each project, says the Transport Agency’s Director of Regional Relationships, Steve Mutton.

“The Transport Agency is thrilled to be leading the SkyPath and SeaPath projects. They are key pieces in Auckland’s wider walking and cycling network and getting more people cycling is a key priority for the Government and the Transport Agency,”

“SeaPath will be a key component of the walking and cycling network on Auckland’s North Shore. It will improve local community transport links and provide safe access to the natural environment for commuting and recreation.”

The local community is invited to comment on the proposed SeaPath route at a series of pop-up engagement events around Northcote and Birkenhead this month. The feedback will help inform the Detailed Business Case.

Meet the SeaPath project team at these events. Find out more about the proposed path route and how the project could be delivered.
· Wednesday 15 August, 7am-9am, Akoranga Bus Station
· Wednesday 15 August, 11am-1pm, AUT North Campus
· Saturday 18 August, 9am-10:30am, Northcote Town Centre
· Saturday 18 August, 11:30am-1pm, Highbury Town Centre
· Saturday 18 August, 2pm-3:30pm, Beach Haven Town Centre
· Tuesday 21 August, 7pm-9pm, Queen Street, Northcote

For more information on SeaPath, please go to www.nzta.govt.nz/SeaPath

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