Nelson Street Cycle Route Gets Underway

Work has started on the Nelson Street Cycle Route linking Upper Queen Street to Quay Street via the disused Nelson Street off-ramp. The proposed cycle route will connect to the north-western and Grafton Gully cycleways, providing easier and safer access to and from the city centre.

The project will be delivered by the NZ Transport Agency and Auckland Transport (AT) in two phases.

Phase one will see the construction of a bridge from Canada Street, connecting with the old Nelson Street motorway off-ramp and continuing as a separated two-way cycle path along the western side of Nelson Street to Victoria Street.

Construction of the bridge is first to get underway. It will be built off-site and when completed will be put in place overnight.

Phase two will extend the separated cycle path from Victoria Street down to Quay Street and will also provide a link along Pitt Street to join Karangahape Road and Union Street.

Brett Gliddon, the Transport Agency’s Highways Manager for Auckland and Northland says the Nelson Street Cycle Route is an example of the Agency’s and Auckland Transport’s partnership in a broader approach to walking and cycling.

“New roads and upgrades are designed with cyclists in mind. We have established a core cycling team to support our increased commitment. Together, both we and Auckland Transport can deliver more for New Zealand cycling through a customer journey, one network and partnership approach.”

Auckland Transport’s Chief Infrastructure Officer Greg Edmonds says the Nelson Street Cycle Route will complete a missing link in the Auckland Cycle Network and will add to a growing network of paths for walking and cycling in the city.

“The route will connect with and expand the network and aligns with our long term vision to build world class cycling infrastructure. We want to promote cycling as safe convenient and a true transport mode of choice.”

Construction of the cycleway from Canada Street to Union Street will be undertaken by Hawkins Construction. The completion of Phase one to Victoria Street is expected late this year and phase two by the middle of next year.

Project website: http://www.nzta.govt.nz/network/projects/project.html?ID=271

ENDS

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