West Auckland’s new connection
A new shared path connecting New Lynn to Avondale along the rail corridor will improve local connectivity and create a continuous route into the city from New Lynn.
Auckland Transport has today (20 April) revealed plans for the New Lynn to Avondale Shared Walking and Cycling Path and is seeking feedback until 15 May 2016.
Take the scenic route
The $17.7 million shared path will be one of the most scenic routes in Auckland, following the rail line from New Lynn Station through green spaces to just east of Blockhouse Bay Road. It includes an eye-catching bridge near Olympic Park where the path crosses the Whau River.
Auckland Transport’s Cycling and Walking manager, Kathryn King, says the 2.9km path will be used by families in the weekend, as well as people travelling to work and study.
“It will give people living in the area better travel options and is likely to attract new people to cycling. We know that by investing in shared paths like these, more people cycle, more often.
“It’s such a scenic route as well. Over the summer, there have been lots of families cycling to parks, beaches and local shops throughout Auckland. This shared path will be an attraction in itself, as well as improving connectivity for people living in this part of Auckland.
"Once completed it will make it easier to walk and cycle to places like Unitec and in the other direction to the New Lynn town centre.”
Map showing the shared path connecting New Lynn to Avondale.
Continuous link to city centre planned
To the east, it links with the Waterview Shared Path which is currently under construction, creating a continuous link from New Lynn all the way to the city centre via the Northwestern Cycleway.
It will also connect with the proposed Te Whau Pathway which follows the west side of the Whau River in Avondale. To the west it connects with New Lynn town centre and transport facilities.
Funding for the project comes from local funding, the Whau Local Board and the government through the Urban Cycleways Programme. Auckland Transport, Auckland Council and the NZ Transport Agency, in partnership with the Government, are working on a $200 million programme of cycle improvements in Auckland over the next three years.
“It’s great to see one of our flagship projects taking shape,” says Whau Local Board chair Catherine Farmer.
“We contributed $2 million to the Whau River Bridge crossing to ensure that it’s twenty minutes by walking, cycling and public transport to everything we need. We welcome feedback on this visionary shared path,” she says.
Find out more at Auckland Transport.
