New cycleway opens

Cyclists are being encouraged to make use of the latest addition to the city’s cycling and walking network in Grafton Gully.

The 300-metre cycleway between Grafton and Alten roads opened this week.

It is the first stage of the 1.9-kilometre project to extend the popular northwestern cycleway into the city centre and university campuses.

New Zealand Transport Agency Auckland and Northland state highways manager Tommy Parker says the extension gives people more transport choices.

‘‘There are already 700 trips daily on the northwestern cycleway, and the Grafton Gully extension will encourage even more people to use this link.

‘‘When completed, the extension will be a practical alternative to the car, creating a safer route into the heart of the city and help tackle congestion.’’

The completed Grafton Gully Cycleway will cost $11 million, and is jointly funded by the NZTA, Auckland Council and Auckland Transport.

The new cycleway is 4m wide and provides ample space for walkers and cyclists to share.

Auckland Transport chief operating officer Greg Edmonds says it is great to see Aucklanders getting more transport options.

‘‘We hope this cycleway will be a popular choice for cyclists and walkers heading into the city.’’

The next stage of works will be the extension of the Grafton Gully link from Beach Rd in Parnell to the city’s waterfront to connect with the shared cycleway and walkway along Tamaki Drive.