Choosing to bike, walk, scoot or skateboard to and from Wānaka will soon become easier and safer as Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) begins work on a new shared pathway along Anderson Road.

Work has begun on the pathway this week and the School to Pool route is also underway, both marking important steps in improving the Upper Clutha’s active transport infrastructure for the growing population, QLDC property and infrastructure acting general manager Tony Avery said.

“The Upper Clutha’s resident population is predicted to grow by around 5,000 by 2031 with an above average rise in central parts of Wānaka,” he said.

“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.”

The first stage of the pathway will be built from the southern end of Mount Iron Drive down to the state highway roundabout and then contractors will work back north towards Aubrey Road.

It will connect at its northern end with the recently sealed cycleway down Aubrey Road from Albert Town past Northlake and it has the potential to connect with other existing and future active transport routes as the network continues to grow, Tony said.

Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) chair and Active Transport Wānaka founder Simon Telfer said while not everyone could forgo their vehicles, the new pathways will provide transport options for a greater range of people than ever before.

“Both new routes will become important, long-term community assets that will encourage positive shifts in people’s travel decisions as our population grows.”

The budget for the Anderson Road project is estimated at $1.2M and will receive a subsidy from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. 

PHOTO: QLDC