The community is invited to hear options at a public meeting about the future of Crows Nest Rise Walkway – which closed almost two years ago due to severe storm damage.
Situated on the clifftop between Murrays Bay and Mairangi Bay, the walkway is part of the Te Araroa Trail and is vulnerable to coastal erosion.
“Storms and erosion are putting at risk several well-loved coastal paths and walkways,” Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Chair Julia Parfitt says.
A recent assessment of the walkway backs up those concerns and several of damaged structures have been found to be unsafe and will be removed.
The structures include the boardwalk, part of a concrete path and a fence which is in danger of breaking up and falling down.
“We have waited a long time to have a robust discussion about the walkway and what options there are to re-open it,” she says.
She says people are invited to hear geotechnical experts outline options and will have the opportunity to give feedback at the meeting or later through a survey. In addition, earlier feedback from a residents’ survey will be discussed at the meeting.
The local board will be asked to support a way forward to address the walkway at their meeting in June.
Auckland Council Community Facilities Head of Project Delivery John Schermbrucker says the latest assessment, undertaken by a council geotech specialist, shows that several of the damaged structures are unsafe.
“The damaged boardwalk, part of a concrete path and a fence are in danger of breaking up and falling down. If nothing is done and the structures fall on the pipeline track below, it will be closed. Council contractors will remove the damaged structures this month.
“Next week, contractors will install fences and put up signs warning people to keep out of the area. The signs will also direct people to an alternative walking route nearby.”
People are urged to stay out of barricaded areas because they are unsafe.
If they see anyone pulling down a fence or sign or entering the barricaded area, they should call the council’s 24-hour call centre on 09 301 0101.