Minister visits Whanganui to celebrate shared pathway project

Published on 24 February 2017

24 February 2017

Significant progress on Whanganui’s shared pathway was celebrated officially on Friday, February 24, as the Hon Simon Bridges, Minister of Transport marked the start of construction of the Te Tuaiwi (The Spine) section which runs from Whanganui Intermediate to the Whanganui City Bridge. The Minister also cut the ribbon on the newly completed City to North Mole section between Whanganui City Bridge and Bedford Avenue.

The new section is a three-metre-wide concrete path which includes paving and seating areas. It is designed to provide a safer, attractive commuting option, revitalising and improving the liveability of the city.

Mayor Hamish McDouall said the shared pathway was a superb development for Whanganui.

“We want our district to be more walk and cycle friendly and our shared pathways are creating safe and accessible active transportation routes for all ages to enjoy. What a brilliant thing to celebrate during Bike Month.”

Whanganui’s shared pathways are part of the New Zealand Government Urban Cycleways Programme development jointly funded by the Government, the New Zealand Transport Agency and Whanganui District Council. Mayor McDouall said it had been great working with the New Zealand Transport Agency to achieve progress on the shared pathways.

“This is an excellent example of what can be achieved when we work in partnership with central government to achieve community, environmental and economic benefits for our district.”

City to North Mole Shared Path

The City to North Mole shared pathway began construction in mid-2016, with an estimated cost of $1.29 million.

The route:

  • provides a five kilometre route through the Heads Road area, where around 4,500 people work.

  • creates a riverside link to the city centre for the residents of Gonville, Tawhero and Castlecliff

  • connects Gonville School, which is part of the Bikes in Schools programme, to the existing shared path network

  • provides better access from the city to the Heads Road industrial area and The Bedford Avenue area which is an artistic hub

  • completes the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail

 Te Tuawai

Te Tuawai (The Spine) will be three metres wide and 2.3 kilometres long. It is estimated to cost $1.98 million.

The route:

  • links two existing cycleways to provide safer access to the inner city area

  • provides improved cycle access for several thousand young people living in the vicinity of Collegiate School, Whanganui Intermediate School and Whanganui City College

  • provides safer access to the city centre for work and shopping, avoiding busy intersections, driveways and parking spaces

Completion of both projects is expected by June 2018.

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