Press Release – New Zealand Government
The Government is committed to the Northern Pathway with its preferred option being a separate structure for walking and cycling alongside the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Transport Minister Michael Wood announced today.
Hon Michael Wood
Minister of Transport
The Government is committed to the Northern Pathway with its preferred option being a separate structure for walking and cycling alongside the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Transport Minister Michael Wood announced today.
Geotechnical investigations and testing has determined that building a structure connected to the Auckland Harbour Bridge is not possible as the existing piers are not able to accommodate the extra weight without considerable modifications to counter balance the increased load involving additional risk to the bridge.
“A stand-alone structure is the safest option that will not only provide a walking and cycling option for commuters but creates an outstanding piece of tourism infrastructure,” said Wood. “Major international cities all around the world have similar connections and we’ve all seen how well used the (cycleway) Te Ara I Whiti - Lightpath has become, with the Northern Pathway having the potential to be a bigger tourist drawcard,” said Wood.
Waka Kotahi NZTA/Supplied
A new Northern Pathway gets green light, which will finally allow walkers and cyclists to cross the Auckland Harbour. The minister said an interim solution might involve ideas such as cycling access to the Harbour Bridge on Sundays.