The Ashhurst shared use path connection will provide a safe link for pedestrians and cyclists between Ashhurst and the Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway Western Gateway Park.
This project is designed to improve pedestrian and cycling access between Ashhurst and the Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway.
Walking and cycling access to the Manawatū Gorge has traditionally been across the two-lane Manawatū River Bridge constructed in 1969. However, in the absence of a dedicated cycling or walking lane across the bridge vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians share the bridge that has a 80km/h speed limit.
The proposed path starts at Cambridge Ave in Ashhurst, passes through the Ashhurst Domain, runs alongside SH3 between the Domain entrance and the Manawatū River, and then across the Manawatū River before connecting to Te Ahu a Turanga’s Western Gateway Park.
Initial plans were to construct a pedestrian/cycle clip-on lane on the current bridge. However subsequent investigations revealed this option to no longer be viable, with a separate pedestrian and cycling bridge now proposed to allow pedestrian/cyclist access across the river.
Concrete across the bridge. Elsewhere the path will be chipseal, however we are investigating the use of asphalt within the Ashhurst Domain.
CloseThe path will be 2.5 metres wide. The largest bridge span across the river is 143m and will be the same level as the existing road bridge.
CloseOne of the benefits of building a separate structure, as opposed to a clip on, is that much of the work will be done offline. This means there will be minimal disruption to road users aside from some short-term closures on the existing road bridge to allow large materials to be transported to the site.
CloseYes, the bridge will include a 1.4-metre-high safety fence.
CloseAn ecological assessment will be undertaken to ensure construction activities occur in a manner that appropriately manages ecological effects. The preferred bridge design features only two piers at the edge of the river to minimise any intrusion into the waterway, which was done in recognition of the Manawatū River’s high ecological and cultural value.
CloseA project start date has not yet been set as we are still finalising the funding requirements, however the bridge would be anticipated to take about one year to construct.
CloseGiven the changes to the scope of the project, it is unlikely to be finished before Te Ahu a Turanga is completed.
CloseWe’d love to hear any thoughts you might have about this project. You can send us your feedback to ashhurstbridge@nzta.govt.nz
![View larger image [JPG, 4 MB]](/assets/projects/ashhurst-bridge/ashhurst-to-western-gateway-shared-use-path-ashhurst-domain.jpg){kind=link}