Pathway link popular

Walkers and cyclists have been out in force trying out the first section of a pathway to connect Horowhenua’s towns and attractions. The trail at the back of Levin along Arapaepae Rd is already being well used after being finished in May, said project manager Therese Barber, from Horowhenua District Council. Eventually a widespread network would be created connecting existing paths and trails, and built about 2.5 metres wide, designed for walkers, runners and cyclists. The routes would link ‘‘major communities, incorporate coastal reserves, rivers, mountains and lakes,’’ and join up to other paths outside Horowhenua. ‘‘These pathways will support people’s fitness and health and improve safety for vulnerable road users,’’ Barber said. About 1 kilometre had been completed, with chip seal and concrete in parts. Around $140,000 had been spent so far, and some funding was provided by the New Zealand Transport Agency to improve safety on busy roads. ‘‘Pathways across the district ... are often not well connected; Queens St East to the Trig is one example, so is Sunset Walkway at Foxton Beach.’’ Barber said the network would ‘‘showcase our district for domestic and international tourism’’. Future legs are likely to include connections with the national walkway Te Araroa, and the New Zealand Cycle Trail, and it could attract tourists, and be used by tourism operators. ‘‘The current focus is on investigating safe pathways from Levin’s urban areas to the mountains, and connecting the Trig walkway to the O¯ hau River,’’ she said. The budget for the project was not yet confirmed, but more funding would be sought from the transport agency. Work towards the next sections was expected to start in spring.