Overwhelming support for SeaPath - NZTA

SeaPath is a proposed 3km separated path largely on the western side of the Northern motorway.

The NZ Transport Agency says there's been overwhelming support from the public for SeaPath, a proposed walking and cycling path between Takapuna and Northcote Point on Auckland's North Shore.

SeaPath is a proposed 3km separated path largely on the western side of the Northern motorway. It will provide safe and direct connections to local communities, destinations and walking and cycling routes.

More than 2,500 feedback forms were received and approximately 108 people came to information sessions during a recent consultation process with the community.

All of the feedback and suggestions are now being analysed and a summary, along with the next steps, will be released later in the year.

Some of the key themes so far include:

• Strong support for a well-designed separated walking and cycling path with safe connections to local facilities.

• Natural features should be recognised along with connections to the harbour for people to enjoy the coastal environment and views to the city.

• The importance of safe, practical connections at either end of the path and along the route - in particular Akoranga Drive, Esmonde Road, Sylvan Ave, Onewa Road and Stafford Road.

• The southern end of the path needs to provide a clear connection to the proposed SkyPath crossing, while the northern end needs a safe crossing and connection to onward routes.

The NZ Transport Agency's State Highways Manager, Brett Gliddon says the responses will help refine the future design.

"We're very pleased with the amount of interest there has been on the proposed walking and cycling path, which will be an important link in Auckland's wider walking and cycling network."

"Getting more people on their bikes is a key priority for the Government through the NZ Transport Agency, to create more predictable journeys for all travellers as well as connecting people with a greater range of employment, education and social opportunities."

"There's a lot more work to be done and the feedback we now have will help us understand what areas need further investigation."

The next steps for the project will be to review the feedback in detail and undertake further investigations on the alignment, working towards confirming the route and detailed design.

If people have comments, thoughts or ideas please contact the project team on seapath@nzta.govt.nz or visit the website www.nzta.govt.nz/seapath