Waimakariri cycleway projects in limbo
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Three Waimakariri cycleway projects are in limbo following the change in Government.
Cycleways in Rangiora, Kaiapoi and Woodend were included in the Government’s Transport Choices funding announced in December 2022, with Waka Kotahi set to fund 70% of the $5.8 million budget.
The projects were to be funded through the Climate Emergency Response Fund.
It is now on hold while Waka Kotahi waits for the new Government to set its transport priorities.
The Waimakariri District Council has already approved detailed design for the Kaiapoi to Woodend and Woodend to Pegasus cycleways, while detailed design was approved last week for a third cycle way in Southbrook, Rangiora.
Developing the Rangiora cycleway has had some challenges, with the council preferring a route heading up Railway Rd, along Torlesse and Coronation streets, up Ellis Road and Country Lane, and on to South Belt.
Pak’nSave and Foodstuffs South Island Ltd raised concerns about the lack visibility for truck drivers entering and exiting the supermarket on Railway Road.
"There has been some discussions around the location of the cycleway behind Pak’nSave, but the council felt it was a safer option for the cycle path than Southbrook Rd, where there are 26,000 vehicles passing each day," Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said.
He said council staff would continue to consult with Pak’nSave, KiwiRail and other businesses as the project developed.
MGordon said if the funding was not made available in the next three months, the council would reconsider the cycleways as part of next year’s 2024-34 long-term plan process.
The proposed cycleways came from the council’s walking and cycling network plan developed last year.
"We are seeing growth in alternative modes of transport and people are coming out here to experience walking and cycling in our district, which is something we are keen to encourage.
‘‘"Since the Northern Corridor opened with the cycle way alongside it, we have seen a lot more people cycling out to our district."
■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
-
83.3% Yes
-
14.3% No
-
2.4% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Loading…
