Safe travels: $3.2m boost for walking and cycling in Whau

Whau residents are set to benefit from almost $3.2 million investment in walking and cycling links that will improve connections across the local transport network. 

Whau Local Board has allocated $3,186,865 to three projects: a new pedestrian and cycling bridge, repairs to a landslide-damaged track, and an extension of the shared path towards Green Bay Beach.  

Together, the projects will improve access to local destinations and help fill key gaps for walking and cycling in the area. 

Whau Local Board chair Kay Thomas says providing safe and convenient options for people to get around their local area is important. 

“Residents will see real benefits from these projects, with better access to local destinations and more ways to get around the area. 

“Once complete, the Portage Road to Green Bay Beach connection project will provide an easier route between the two locations, while strengthening links to the Te Whau Pathway as the next section of the pathway is finished later this year.” 

The approved projects are: 

Waitahurangi pedestrian / cycling bridge - $1,500,000 

The new bridge will connect Busby Street in Blockhouse Bay with McWhirter Place in New Lynn, providing a safe pedestrian and cycling alternative to Wolverton St. 

Miranda Reserve to Wolverton Street Greenway - $766,865 

This project will repair the sections of the track damaged by a landslide and the damaged access point on Wolverton Street. 

Portage Road to Green Bay Beach connection - $920,000

The existing shared path on the eastern side of Portage Road ends at the Kinross Street roundabout. 

The project will extend the shared path about 220 metres south, past Connaught Street, and provide safe crossing facilities across Kinross Street and Connaught Street. 

Future priorities   

Alongside the approved projects, Whau Local Board has identified a number of priority projects that could go ahead if savings become available from the funded projects.