Oneroa cycle and walkway getting underway

Construction on the Oneroa cycle and walkway is due to start Monday next week.

The much anticipated 1km walkway will connect with both the Riverbank walkway and the Alfred Cox walkway as part of Council’s expanding cycle and walkway network, showcasing our district.

The main construction contract has been awarded to Earthwork Solutions who completed the Alfred Cox cycle and walkway on time and under budget in 2013.

The concrete component will be carried out by McLeods Concrete and the boardwalk component by members of the Certified Builders Association.

“We are pleased to see this project going to locals,” says project manager Kylie Cranston.

“Volunteer labour contribution and sponsorship from the Certified Builders Association, Gisborne Rotary and Gisborne West Rotary help make this a real community project.

“Construction is expected to take just over three months and is due to be completed in June,” says Ms Cranston.

Construction will begin at Roberts Road and the section by Midway Surf Club will take place once Surf Life Saving Nationals are over in March. The final section to be completed will join up with the Waikanae walkway at the end of Grey Street.

As part of this project public showers, drinking fountains and BBQ’s will be installed along the beachfront.

The grass reserve in between Beacon car park and Midway Surf Club will be transformed into a BBQ Picnic area with the installation of two BBQ’s free for public use.

“The beachfront is in desperate need of a spruce up, as well as all new furniture we will be replacing all the bollards along Salisbury Road, installing plants and are developing directional signs which will show the cycle and walkway network.”

An ecological assessment of the dunes has identified a number of weed species invading the dunes.

“As part of this project we will be carrying out a three year dune restoration programme,” says Ms Cranston.

“The first stage has been completed with Ecoworks removing of all the weeds along the back edge of the dune.

“Stage two will occur in stages with 4,400 new plants planned for planting around May. Council will apply for funding for a larger scale dune restoration project later in the year.”

ENDS

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