A New Zealand plan to clip a 4m-wide cycle lane to the underside of the Auckland Harbour Bridge moved a step closer to realisation last month with the decision of the Environmental Court to grant a resource consent for the scheme.
Chris Darby, the chair of Auckland council’s planning committee, said the decision was a "momentous step" and "a crucial part of a grand vision to connect Takapuna with St Heliers".
He said: "This project has been under way for 12 years and I’d like to thank the SkyPath Trust, and particularly project director Bevan Woodward, for their tireless dedication in progressing it."
The cycle way will be attached to the bridge using a series of u-shaped staples made from composite materials; the decking will have a core made from composite foam. The structure will be prefabricated and fitted into place as modules.
The materials are more expensive than steel, but are lighter and have longer life expectancy with lower maintenance.
SkyPath’s 4m width will be shared by walkers, joggers and cyclists, and there will be 2m extensions for six observation decks.
The NZ$30m ($21m) project will be designed, built and operated by the public infrastructure partnership fund of investment firm HRL Morrison, with the council underwriting some of the revenue, and some to be raised by charging around NZ$2 to use the path.
Image: The design will have six observation bays (Reset Urban Design)
