Waterview Shared Path Waterview Shared Path
Auckland Transport (AT) has created a cycling and walking path that connects Waterview and Mt Albert. The shared path has been delivered by the Well-Connected Alliance as part of the NZ Transport Agency's Waterview Connection project.
The path opened 6 October 2017.
Find out more about the path route and get a map.
Project status: Complete
Project zone: Central/west
Video: AT's Kathryn King talks about the Waterview Shared Path and what it means for Auckland's cycling network.
Project overview
Waterview Shared Path is around 3.4km long. From Alan Wood reserve off New North Road, it follows the route of Te Auaunga/Oakley Creek to connect with Great North Road and features three new bridges. It is accessible from several points along the way, including Phyllis Reserve and the Unitec campus.
Waterview Shared Path adds to Auckland’s growing cycling and walking network, connecting with the north-western cycle route along SH16 and with shared paths to Onehunga and New Lynn.
Timeline
- March 2016 - Construction began.
- 6 October 2017 - Project complete.
Project details
The path is:
- around 3.5 metres wide and constructed in concrete.
- low gradient to enable accessibility for all users.
- well lit to provide a high level of safety.
AT plans to install traffic lights at the intersection of New North Road, Soljak Place, and Bollard Avenue to provide a safe crossing for cyclists and pedestrians.
New bridges
Three bridges have been built along the route. The 2 bridges at the Waterview and Mt Albert ends of the route cross Te Auaunga/Oakley Creek to connect communities to the path.
Te Piringa (Alford Street) Bridge
Te Piringa (Alford Street) Bridge is approximately 90 metres long and 16 metres high, crossing over Te Auaunga/Oakley Creek near Great North Road. It is constructed of concrete, with 2 piles supporting the bridge deck. LED lighting within the handrail softly illuminates the bridge at night.
The bridge was opened in July 2017.
Te Arawhiti o Te Wai o Rakataura (Soljak Place) Bridge
Te Arawhiti o Te Wai o Rakataura (Soljak Place) Bridge is 32 metres long and 8 metres high. The structure crosses the western railway line and Te Auaunga Awa Flood Culvert to connect with Soljak Place.
The concrete bridge will have catch screens over the rail line, similar to those on motorway over-bridges.
Kōkopu (Phyllis to Harbutt) Boardwalk
Kōkopu (Phyllis to Harbutt) Boardwalk will be approximately 82 metres long and 2 metres high.
The boomerang-shaped structure creates a link between Harbutt Reserve and Phyllis Reserve.
Pou whenua and artwork
Each bridge has a large carved pou whenua (land post) or waka maumahara (memorial pillar).
AT has specially sourced the Tōtara for the pou at the Te Piringa and Soljak bridges. The wood was originally extracted from a swamp on the South Island's West Coast.
Other Māori design elements have been incorporated into the bridges and Māori artworks appear at various locations along the shared path, including kōhatu (carved rocks).
Planning and construction
The decision to build Waterview Shared Path results from a 2011 decision by the Waterview Connection Board of Inquiry to provide local connections for communities. Following that decision, AT has investigated options, reached agreements with some of the affected property owners and developed a design for the path.
The Well-Connected Alliance built the path, starting from the site of Alford Street Bridge.
The Waterview Shared Path complements the Auckland Council project to restore a 1.3km section of Te Auaunga Awa (Oakley Creek). Find out more about the Te Auaunga Awa restoration project.