New Shared Pathways to be constructed

A dedicated engineer from the Horowhenua Alliance has been tasked with continuing the work of the Shared Pathways project.

The project will create a shared cycleway and walkway network throughout Horowhenua. It will build on existing pathways and trails to link the District's major communities; incorporate coastal reserves, rivers, mountains and lakes; and link Horowhenua with similar pathway networks in neighbouring districts.

Council allocated funding for the Shared Pathways network for the 2017/18 financial year after consultation on the Annual Plan showed public support for the project.

However, a shortage of skilled labour has affected roading projects throughout the District and delayed progress on the pathways.

To overcome the problem, the Horowhenua Alliance has seconded Project Engineer Taine Leader to Horowhenua District Council’s Roading team to take charge of the project.

Mr Leader said that although the Horowhenua Alliance has previously focused on delivering water, wastewater and stormwater services for Council, he welcomed the opportunity to work on Shared Pathways.

“This project has a strong focus on community wellbeing. It will improve the current cycleway and walkway options, provide off-road connections between communities, and enhance and promote active recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. It’s great to be part of turning the vision into reality,” he said.

The next stage of the project is to construct a scenic pathway along Arapaepae Road, from Queen Street to Meadowvale Drive.

“This is the first part of a large network that will connect to Tararua Road and Gladstone Road in the future,” Mr Leader said.

He said this section of the Shared Pathways network will be two metres wide and have a chipseal surface.

Construction of the first stage of the Arapaepae Road pathway began in late March this year and is expected to be complete by the end of April.

“This is the beginning of an exciting future for Horowhenua’s Shared Pathways network,” Mr Leader said.

Council will be developing a Shared Pathways Forward Works Plan over the next 12 months.

ENDS

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