Rail trail plan announced
A city councillor is hoping locals will get on board with a proposed $452,000 new walkway and cycleway.
The proposal, which calls for development of a trail behind Kinsley Heights, is included in the Upper Hutt City Council’s Long Term Plan, currently out for consultation.
The path would follow the old railway line to Featherston, linking Park St to the Cruickshank Tunnel, which is 120 metres long.
Upper Hutt councillor Steve Taylor said the redevelopment of the Cruickshank Tunnel would reclaim some of Upper Hutt’s heritage.
‘‘Upper Hutt has forgotten and sometimes neglected quite a lot of its heritage.’’
‘‘This is a chance for us to teach locals . . . and show the history of Upper Hutt,’’ he said.
The cycleway would cut through private land and Taylor hoped the land owners would also sign up for the idea. ‘‘ I don’t think there would be much opposition, as long as there’s minimal disruption to their own property,’’ he said.
Taylor said the trail has longer-term potential to link with the Rimutaka Rail Trail and bring tourists to the city, which has a growing reputation as a good place for twowheel enthusiasts.
‘‘ There’s 40,000 people a year using the Rimutaka Rail Trail, but actually we have a tunnel right in our own backyard that we’ve neglected.’’
‘‘Its great for locals – it’s great for tourists,’’ Taylor said.
Development of the trail could take six years, with a proposed start in 2018 if ratepayers signal they are keen.
The estimated annual operating cost of $2,700.
Submissions on the Long Term and Annual Plan are open to the public until April 20.