Wainuiomata Shared Path FAQs

Why is Council creating a shared path?

In 2015, the Pukeatua Bridge was completed to address some safety risks along with providing a valuable asset to the community. Upgrading the existing footpaths to a wider shared path will provide a safe connection to the summit bridge for pedestrians and cyclists as well as increasing connectivity between the Hutt Valley and Wainuiomata.

Why is the Wainuiomata side not being constructed first?

There were various engineering challenges to work through on the Wainuiomata side, due to the more challenging terrain. This has meant we need to commission designs for substantial retaining structures, along with a detailed geotechnical study. Several large slopes may require considerable earthworks to construct the path.

These challenges also reflect the increased consenting requirements on the Wainuiomata side. Therefore for expediency and lower complexity, we are constructing the Hutt side first to prevent any delays to the project.

Will the shared path be marked to separate cyclists and pedestrians?

At this stage we aren't proposing a dotted or solid line to delineate half of the shared path. We are currently designing signage depicting cyclists and pedestrians to make users aware of the need to be courteous to each other.

What's happening to the existing car park?

With the provision of the new Pukeatua Bridge, we discovered safety issues associated with keeping the existing car park. These safety issues include visibility (sight distances) and vehicles pulling out at low speed onto an 80km/hour road.

The existing car park area on the opposite side will be re-marked and will still provide some car parking, particularly as we've proposed developing a new lookout area. There is limited space available to develop any further car parking due to the local terrain.

Where can I park my car if I want to go to the lookout?

The existing car park on the eastern side of the road summit will be re-marked and will provide limited parking for vehicles for people to enjoy the proposed new lookout. Parking locations are available on residential roads for users wishing to use the path on either side of the hill.