MEDIA RELEASE

15 November 2012

NZ Transport Agency – Auckland Regional Office

Early morning start for Auckland’s new cycleway

A dawn blessing this morning led by local iwi, Ngati Whatua O Orakei, has marked the formal start of construction of the NZ Transport Agency’s new cycleway into central Auckland.

The 1.9 kilometre long Grafton Gully cycleway is an extension of the Northwestern cycleway. When completed, the extended cycleway will provide approximately 15 kilometres of almost all off-road access for cyclists between central Auckland and Te Atatu in the west. The $11m extension project is jointly funded by the NZTA, Auckland Council and Auckland Transport.

Guests at this morning’s celebration included the government’s Central Auckland MP Nikki Kaye, and representatives from the NZ Transport Agency, Auckland Council and Auckland Transport.

The NZTA’s acting State Highways Manager for Auckland and Northland, Steve Mutton, says the project provides more transport choices for people and safer travel.

“The Northwestern cycleway is already popular with around 700 trips daily, and the improvements we’re making will add to that popularity,” Mr Mutton says. “The Grafton Gully extension is a perfect fit for the NZTA’s objectives of providing viable alternatives to the car to help reduce congestion on the city’s roads.”

Auckland’s Mayor Len Brown welcomes the new addition to the city’s growing cycling network.

“We want to connect our urban villages and make travelling within Auckland a pleasure rather than a chore, whether commuting to work, school or home, or for recreation. I am delighted this vision is one step closer and we look forward to working together with the NZTA to help create the world’s most liveable city." Len Brown, Mayor of Auckland.

Auckland Transport plans to extend the Grafton Gully link with a shared cycle and walkway from Beach Road in Parnell to the city’s waterfront. .

Hawkins Construction will be delivering the Grafton Gully project for the NZTA.

ENDS

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