Walking and cycle trails connect city to great outdoors
Media release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, 22 October 2014
Walking and cycle trails connect city to great outdoors
Upper Hutt City Council announces NZTA funding to improve walking and cycle trails.
UPPER HUTT, Wellington NZ, 22 OCT 2014—Outdoor enthusiasts have even more reason to enjoy a walk or ride in Upper Hutt. Upper Hutt City Council have announced approval from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) to fund the development of new and improved cycle ways and walking paths across the city.
The $4.2m commitment from Upper Hutt City Council and NZTA creates many new options for walkers and cyclists, with a sealed trail along the stop bank from Moonshine Park to the city centre (almost 2.85 km long), a cycle and walking path from Silverstream to the city centre that runs along the rail corridor, a trail from the Silverstream Station to the Eastern Hutt Road, and a subway under State Highway 2 that links Totara Park to the city. These trails will not only enhance the experience for recreational walkers and cyclists, but offer safer commuter linkage between Upper Hutt’s residential areas and its city centre.
“Upper Hutt is known as the gateway to the great outdoors and we want to provide as many opportunities as possible for people to get out and enjoy our scenic playground,” says Chris Upton, Upper Hutt City Council’s chief executive. “Many in our community will benefit from these projects. Providing safer commuter networks and more options for recreational walkers and cyclists is a priority of Council and we are fortunate that NZTA have approved the funding to allow us to deliver on this.
“The recently sealed stop bank trail, connecting Moonshine Road to Gibbons Street has been an instant success and is already in use by many, particularly now that the days are getting longer and warmer. We are expecting that the Silverstream to city railway corridor trail will be even more popular and will become a practical alternative for both commuters and recreational users.” says Mr. Upton.
Contractors, Dews Construction are in the final stages of completing the Moonshine Road to city stop bank trail project, with safety measures still to be installed for the crossings. The next project to be undertaken will be the Silverstream to city railway corridor trail, which is expected to be completed in 2016.
About Upper Hutt City
Council
Upper Hutt City Council is the steward and custodian of Upper Hutt City, providing governance, infrastructure, and community services and resources, and promoting opportunity in the city for business, recreation, lifestyle, and leisure. Upper Hutt City is located 30 km north-east of Wellington City (41°07'34" S, 175°04'06" E) and boasts 70% of the region’s parks and reserves, along with state-of-the-art entertainment and leisure facilities.