Work has begun on the next stages of the Schools to Pool active travel route, which will link local schools with the Wānaka Recreation Centre.

Crews have started work on stage three of the pathway which runs from Hedditch Street along Lismore Street, through Lismore Park and then on to Te Kura o Tititea Mt Aspiring College.

In November construction will then move to the next stage which links Plantation Road and Mount Aspiring College to Wanaka Primary School and then runs along the edge of Kelly’s Flat to Aubrey Road.

Queenstown Lakes District Council general manager property and infrastructure Tony Avery said the project also includes the introduction of a raised safety platform and pedestrian refuge island on Plantation Road and a raised platform on Hedditch Street.

“Once completed, these sections of the Schools to Pool pathway will encourage the use of shared, safer spaces for kids heading between home, school and the pool, regardless of whether they’re on foot, moving around by bike or scooter,” Tony said.

“The active travel route will help contribute to walkable neighbourhoods that promote safer, greener and healthier school travel in and around Wānaka.”

The Schools to Pool active travel route aims to make small changes to Wānaka’s streets and the way they’re used, making it easier for people to embrace moving around on foot or by bike, he said.

“Safe, well-designed active travel options will encourage more people to leave the car at home and choose other ways to get around, helping to reduce emissions and create a lasting success for Wānaka’s community.”

Access will be maintained for residents and businesses living near construction of the route, but any properties likely to be affected by the works will be contacted in advance.

Final designs of the fourth stage of work (taking the active travel route from Hedditch Street down to State Highway 84, up Ballantyne Road and then into Three Parks) are currently being worked on.

The Schools to Pool project is funded by the Transport Choices package, part of the Waka Kotahi Climate Emergency Response Fund (CERF) programme.

PHOTO: Wānaka App