Cycleway work under way

Contractors are a week into the construction of a Cambridge to Karapiro cycleway-walkway, designed to be completed before the World Rowing Championships in mid-October.

The five kilometre concrete track will stretch from Carlyle St in Cambridge to the Mighty River Domain at Lake Karapiro. It will eventually form part of "Te Awa – the Great New Zealand River Ride", stretching from Ngaruawahia to Horahora.

Most of the shared cycle and walkway will be three metres wide. Over the Crows Nest Hill section, a 2.5 metre wide boardwalk will be built, offering spectacular views of the Karapiro dam.

Waipa District Council service delivery manager Barry Bergin said iwi groups, residents and property owners along Maungatautari Rd had supported the project.

Temporary traffic signs would be in place for around six weeks while construction along Maungatautari Rd continued.

Council has budgeted a maximum of $495,000 for the cycleway, one-third of the total expected cost.

The Brian Perry Charitable Trust has pledged up to $990,000 towards the project, while Cambridge Rotary and Transpower are also supporting it. The contract has been let to Downer McFalls.

- © Fairfax NZ News