27 September 2013

Cycle and walkway to connect Awapuni School community

The first sod has been turned on the Alfred Cox Cycle and Walkway and construction started on Monday (30 September), to take advantage of the school holidays.

The cycle and walkway will link Awapuni School (Stanley Road entrance) and the i-site on Grey Street via a new bridge across Waikanae Creek and a concrete walkway through Alfred Cox Park.

The construction contract has been awarded to Earthwork Solutions, says Gisborne District Council project manager Kylie Cranston. “The specifications for the cycle and walkway have been extensively peer reviewed to ensure a long-lasting, quality finish.”

Tenders close on Wednesday 2 October for the construction of the bridge across Waikanae Stream. It will be a 22 metre single span footbridge made from laminated timber with reinforced concrete abutments.

The bridge is key to the project says Awapuni School principal David Langford. “We have been asking for a bridge across the creek for the last 17 years and in that time our school role has increased by nearly 400%. I am really pleased to see this project underway. Being next to a busy state highway, well used by logging trucks, keeping our students safe is so important. . The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has recognised the need for this safety improvement and is contributing a significant amount towards the project.”

“Awapuni School is unique in that it is situated in an industrial rather than residential area. The cycle and walkway will give us easy access to homes in the city area, Gisborne intermediate, Victoria Daycare and the recreational facilities close by. It will support the viability of the school with students able to safely bike to school and for parents to safely drop their children off in Anzac Street, away from the busy highway. Awapuni School is a great school where our community is highly valued. Bringing the community physically closer means our grounds and facilities are more available for people to enjoy and it will link to the planned beachfront walkway. Part of the Alfred Cox Cycle and Walkway goes through the back of the school grounds on to Stanley Road to connect with the beachfront.

“Six exotic trees will be removed in the next couple of weeks to make room for the pathway. The trees include a pine tree, a couple of phoenix palms and other trees that are already in poor health. Native planting in the park and along the stream will continue once construction is complete. Awapuni School and the Waikanae Stream Care Group have been planting along the riverbank for the last couple of years.”

Connecting people and schools with our iconic beaches, inner harbour, network of rivers and the city centre is what Council’s cycle and walkway projects are all about says Council Chief Executive Judy Campbell. “Cities where people choose to cycle or walk rather than hop in a vehicle are more vibrant, safer and carbon emissions are lower. The Alfred Cox route is the next stage in building a vibrant cycle and walkway network throughout the city and beyond. Consultation on the beachfront section will start before the end of the year.”

The Alfred Cox Cycle and Walkway is due to be finished by December when a public opening will be held.

ENDS

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