A new community facility that gives people better access through coastal land near Point Chevalier in Auckland has been officially opened as part of the NZ Transport Agency’s Waterview Connection project.
A new 171 metre long wooden boardwalk crosses the mangrove plantation beside the Waitemata Harbour near the Eric Armishaw Reserve.
It was opened at a ribbon cutting celebration today (Saturday, 1 October) by the NZ Transport Agency, the Albert-Eden Local Board representing Auckland Council, community leaders and the Well-Connected Alliance.
The boardwalk is one of several community facilities being built by the Well-Connected Alliance which is constructing the Waterview Connection on behalf of the New Zealand Government and the NZ Transport Agency.
“Waterview is a great example of how big infrastructure projects are working to connect communities as well as deliver transport networks that are nationally important,” says the Transport Agency’s Transport Planning Manager for Auckland and Northland, Paul Glucina.
“The Eric Armishaw Reserve also reflects a wider commitment by the Government and the Transport Agency to provide alternative ways to travel and facilities that walkers and cyclists can use safely.”
Mr Glucina acknowledged that the boardwalk has been a priority for the community, and the work of the Albert-Eden Local Board to get the best possible outcomes.
Margi Watson from the Albert-Eden Local Board says the boardwalk will restore community connections.
“The new boardwalk is about local community, creating safe access to parkland and restoration of the historic connection that was severed in the 1950s when SH16 was built,” says Ms Watson. “The Albert-Eden Local Board fully supported the community who called for this connection to be delivered as part of the Waterview Connection Project and I am delighted to see it built and opened today.”
Next year the Eric Armishaw Boardwalk will be extended further into Point Chevalier, and will link with other walkways to provide better access to Waterview and communities beyond.
The Waterview tunnels are on track to open in early 2017 to connect the Northwestern and Southwestern Motorways which will complete the Western Ring Route.
The project is being delivered by the Well-Connected Alliance which includes the Transport Agency, Fletcher Construction, McConnell Dowell, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Beca, Tonkin & Taylor and Japanese construction company Obayashi Corporation. Sub-alliance partners are Auckland-based Wilson Tunnelling and Spanish tunnel controls specialists SICE.
