Plan to improve more of Hutt Road pathway

New changes proposed for Hutt Road could see improved walking and biking facilities extended further south to the Tinakori Road intersection – as well as some new on-road car parking north of Westminster Street.

The proposals are designed to complement and support the upgrade work that is well under way on the section of pathway between Caltex Fuel Stop and Aotea Quay overbridge.

The proposals, which are open for feedback until Monday 16 October, include:

• creating about 70 on-road car parking spaces between Westminster Street and Placemakers’ driveway. The new parking would be a clearway between 7am and 9.30am, so there would be two lanes for traffic during the busy morning peak, just as there is now.

• widening and upgrading another section of the existing Hutt Road shared path from the Aotea Quay overbridge to Tinakori Road. This could be done without affecting the road or existing parking arrangements on this stretch, but would require using public land that is subject to an encroachment agreement and currently used by Humes.

Wellington City Council’s Portfolio Leader for Walking, Cycling and Public Transport, Councillor Sarah Free, says the latest proposals tie in with other changes designed to make the new facilities safer.

“We have taken a lenient approach to the informal parking that happens on the footpath here for a long time, but for safety reasons will now be phasing it out,” she says.

“This will allow people on bikes and on foot to use the newly upgraded walking and cycling facilities as intended, without having to negotiate vehicles parked on the path – or watch for people driving and reversing along the pathway.”

From Monday 2 October, people who park on the pathway between Spotlight and Aotea Quay overbridge will risk getting a ticket. The footpath parking north of here will gradually go too. This will happen towards the end of the year as work in the area is completed.

Cr Free says some of the businesses along Hutt Road have been able to make changes that will allow them to provide more parking within their own properties. In addition, the proposed new on-road spaces and minor change to a parking restriction time in Westminster Street will provide an alternative for some of the people wanting to get to businesses or park in this area.

At this stage, the new parking will not be time restricted, and no charges are proposed. If approved, it is likely to be installed late this year.

Outside the two childcare centres, some 10-minute parking can be provided in the morning peak as the area is slightly wider.

Cr Free says commuting on foot or by bike has considerable health benefits, saves money, helps ease congestion, is good for the environment, and helps build Wellington’s reputation as a sustainable and appealing place to live.

“That’s why the Council is working in partnership with the NZ Transport Agency and Government to provide safer paths, bike lanes, and facilities.

“Hutt Road is one of our busiest bike routes, a key link in the planned northern connection between Melling and the CBD, and an important part of our bigger shared goal to develop a connected citywide cycle network.”

Information about the proposals is available at

transportprojects.org.nz.

Feedback can be provided online or by completing and mailing a FreePost submission form.

ENDS

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