Choosing to move around on foot, by bike, scooter, or skateboard in Wānaka has become a lot easier with the completion of a new shared pathway along Anderson Road - just in time for Christmas.

Elected representatives celebrated the opening of the path yesterday (Tuesday December 19).

Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board chair Simon Telfer said the pathway was a crucial link in Wānaka’s active transport network, providing another safe and easy alternative for people to get around town.

“With [the] Anderson Road [pathway] we are making a really big stride,” he said. “It’s a really important cross-town link.”

“[It] provides a wonderful opportunity for more people to move around the area by bike or on foot, and I’d encourage everyone to give this new connection a try when heading to or from town this summer.”

At its northern end, the shared pathway connects with the recently sealed connection down Aubrey Road from Albert Town past Northlake, running through the now complete roundabout at the intersection of Aubrey Road and Anderson Road.

Most of the new route is made up of a temporary chipseal layer, providing a safe and smooth surface while enabling any future water infrastructure work to be completed in the area with minimal disruption and additional cost, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) property and infrastructure general manager Tony Avery said.

He said it was essential for council to continue investing in active transport infrastructure alongside planning for more conventional vehicle traffic.

“Upper Clutha’s resident population is predicted to grow by around 5,000 by 2031, and creating enjoyable, safe options for people to leave their cars at home whenever possible will deliver many benefits in terms of physical wellbeing, a cleaner environment and reduced congestion,” Tony said.

While the shared pathway is open for action and already being well used, crews will be returning in the new year to complete some final steps in the project’s delivery, largely around line marking on Anderson Road.

The project cost $1.45M to deliver, with 51% of the cost covered by a subsidy from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

PHOTO: Wānaka App