Beach Road walking and cycling project Beach Road walking and cycling project
Beach Road Cycleway is an important arterial route in central Auckland. It is also a critical gap in the Auckland Cycle Network.
The project was funded by Auckland Transport, Auckland Council and NZ Transport Agency.
Project status: Complete
Project zone: City centre
Project cost:
Stage 1 - $3.5m
Stage 2 - $3.6m
Project purpose
The Beach Road walking and cycling project forms an important link in Auckland’s first urban cycleway. It connects to Grafton Gully Cycleway and cycle routes on Tamaki Drive and Quay Street. Together they form a continuous, safe and convenient route for people to access the city centre by bike.
The project sought to significantly improve cycling facilities along Beach Road by providing a two-way dedicated cycleway, which is physically separated from traffic.
The street upgrade delivered in stage 2 of the project is part of Auckland Council’s City Centre Masterplan: A programme transforming our city centre into a pedestrian and cycle friendly destination where you can shop, relax, linger, dine and spend time.
Benefits
- Flagship cycleway that sets the standard for Auckland’s cycling initiatives.
- Promotes cycling as a safe means of transport.
- Important connection between existing and proposed cycleways.
- Encourages sustainable and healthier transport choices.
Milestones
- October 2013: Completed consultation.
- October 2013 – May 2014: Considered all consultation feedback and developed the final cycleway design.
- July 2014: Construction gets underway.
- September 2014: Stage 1 is complete.
- April 2015: Construction of stage 2 begins.
- September 2015: Full completion of project.
Project details
The upgrade to Beach Road is focused around a two-way 3m wide cycleway, which is physically separated by raised kerbs from vehicular traffic. The upgrades also include safety improvements at intersections and landscaping to make the route more visually attractive.
Map of Beach Road Cycleway showing construction stages
Stage 1 - completed September 2014
Stage 1 connects to Grafton Gully Cycleway and to cycle routes on Tamaki Drive and Quay Street. Together they will form a continuous, safe and convenient route for people to access the city centre by bike.
Find information about using Beach Road Cycleway.
Stage 2 - completed September 2015
Designs for stage two extend the cycleway and enhance the look and feel of Beach Road between Britomart Place and Mahuhu Crescent.
The upgrade aimed to:
- encourage walking and cycling within the area,
- increase safety and the perception of safety for people walking and cycling,
- expand Auckland’s network of connected, continuous cycle routes,
- incorporate place making into the design,
- create an attractive and distinctive street and public space that people want to use.
Construction of stage 2 was completed in September 2015.
Key facts
- Cycleway is 3m wide and the overall length is 1.5km.
- Cycleway is physically separated from traffic by the use of raised kerbs.
- Cycleway crosses from the south to north side of Beach Road at Te Taou Crescent.
- Cycleway connects other existing and proposed cycle routes.
- Cycleway is part of Auckland’s network of cycle routes.
Consultation
Thank you to those people who provided feedback on the Beach Road Walking and Cycling Improvements project during the September to October 2013 consultation period.
Your feedback was helpful in informing the final design and, as a result, a number of changes were made to the original plans.
87% of respondents were supportive of the project, many saying it would deliver much-needed safety improvements, attract more cyclists to the area and be a catalyst for other cycling projects in the city.
Both stages of construction are now complete.