Ramp, path will plug SH2 cycleway gap

BY SIMON EDWARDS - HUTT NEWS

A solution to the much-criticised gap in the cycling path on State Highway 2, near Petone overbridge, is in the wind.

NZ Transport Agency's Wellington region director Deborah Hume says the agency expects to begin constructing a new link next month, pending funding approval.

The joint NZTA/Hutt City Council (HCC) project will provide an off road cycleway adjacent to Hutt Road connecting with a ramp under the Petone overbridge. This ramp will link the path with cycle facilities on State Highway 2's on-ramp, separating cyclists from the Petone Esplanade roundabout when heading south.

For cyclists heading in the opposite direction, the city council envisages a path indicated by cycling signs, encouraging bikers to remain left on the Petone off-ramp and travel on the Hutt Road cycle path to get to their end destination, avoiding conflict with the Petone Esplanade roundabout.

The work will be done as an extension of the Dowse to Petone Upgrade Project and is expected to take about three months to complete, depending on weather.

Dr Hume says this final plan will provide a safer connection between SH2 and Hutt City Council's current cycle path on Hutt Road, near the Petone railway station.

"We appreciate that there are many people anxious to see what the project will look like. We will make plans available in early June so (they) can visualise the improvements,"she says.

HARBOUR WAY STUDY LAUNCHED

The regional council and Wellington City have agreed to put money towards a feasibility study on the Great Harbour Way. Last week the acid went on Hutt City Council to do the same.

Great Harbour Way (GHW) is a vision for a continuous, safe, signposted route for walkers, runners and cyclists around the perimeter of Wellington Harbour. Stretching 68km from Pencarrow in the east to Red Rocks in the west, it would also be a cycling/walking commuter route, particularly between the Hutt Valley and Wellington.

It's being promoted by the GHW Coalition, which includes groups such as Cycle Aware Wellington, Living Streets Wellington, Wellington Civic Trust and most of the Rotary Clubs in the Hutt Valley.

Though he's not a cyclist himself, former Rotary Club of Hutt City president Allan Brown is the Coalition's spokesperson. He has a reputation for getting things done, and sees the successful Hutt River Trail - also spearheaded by Rotarians working with local authorities - as a template for what might be achieved.

The coalition believes the GHW has as much tourism and recreation potential as it does practical and 'green' commuting benefits. It dovetails well with the Job Summit talk of a cycleway stretching the length of New Zealand - a cause that Prime Minister John Key endorsed by last week announcing $50 million over three years for a series of 'Great Rides'. Existing cycleways, such as those in Central Otago and Tai Tapu (new Christchurch) would be linked, and new ones developed in scenic areas of the country.

"Happily, the (Great) Harbour Way coincides with nationwide energy and enthusiasm for walking and cycling," Mr Brown says.

Nevertheless, he believes it will have to be built in stages and will likely take 10 years to complete.

The plan is for the GHW to be 5 metres wide - big enough to accommodate cycling/walking 'lanes', as well as handle events like marathons and cycling challenges.

Mr Brown says the GHW Coalition has engaged professional planning company Boffa Miskell to get to work on a comprehensive feasibility document, exploring options - and particularly how to deal with 'pinch points', such as the squeezed cycling options on State Highway 2 in the vicinity of the Petone overbridge. The consultants are pitching in by doing some of that work pro bono.

At Hutt City Council's hearing of oral submissions on its 2009/10 Community Plan last week, Mr Brown asked the council to formally come out in support of the Great Harbour Way, and put $10,000 towards the study. He says he was given a "good hearing" by councillors.

A final decision probably won't be made until the council finalises its Community Plan and budget next month.