Rotorua's CyWay network will be looking more complete this summer with three projects nearly finished.
Rotorua Lakes Council said contractors were working to get the Ranolf, Springfield, and Western Heights shared paths finished in time for people to start using them in spring.
Each project is part of CyWay's 10-part programme supporting the district's Urban Cycling Strategic Plan which aims to provide the community with safe and enjoyable riding facilities.
Funding for the programme is shared between the Rotorua Lakes Council ($1.9 million), the Government ($1.5m) and the New Zealand Transport Agency ($2.1m).
The council said the development of the CyWay network would help connect residents and visitors to suburbs, schools, the inner city and other facilities and recreation areas, linking to main biking and shared paths.
The Ranolf to CBD street link connects the existing paths on Sophia St and Lake Rd and passes three schools, the Lakefront and the inner city.
Thomas Cres. Photo/Supplied
During the school holidays, the contractors worked to complete the sections outside the two primary schools and will continue on these sections before continuing the construction of the path towards Sophia St.
The contractors were waiting for a special mesh from overseas, which has now arrived, to protect the tree roots.
Some trees have been removed to accommodate the widened path but will be replaced once the construction phase has finished. Parking has also been retained in the area.
The extended and rounded kerb on the ends of the side streets are called 'traffic calming' features. They are designed to purposely slow vehicles down as they turn into side streets.
This makes it safer for people crossing side streets as they travel on shared paths.
The line markings in the middle of Ranolf St will be moved to accommodate the extra space taken by the kerb extensions.
Springfield Rd. Photo/Supplied
Construction continues on the second phase of the Springfield cycleway. This portion links Devon St west to the existing path at the Springfield Rd shops.
The path is complete up to Tihi Rd with some extra work to do near the Utuhina Stream bridge to improve drainage. This phase of the Springfield cycleway is expected to be complete by September or October, depending on the weather.
Major work has been under way on Thomas Cres improving the back entrance to Western Heights Primary School as part of the Western Heights Schools Link shared path.
The changes will help to improve congestion during pick-up and drop-off times and will also make it safer for pedestrians and bike riders using that back entrance.
Extra parking along Thomas Cres has also been added.
Once the final portion of the shared path is complete to Clayton Rd contractors will add the remaining traffic calming features which include kerb extensions, line marking and raised crossing points.
These extra features will help to slow vehicles and reduce the risk of crashes.
The council said the CyWay team would focus on Steeles Lane, Reeme Reserve and Utuhina and Linton Park shared paths this next financial year.
The council's CyWay team is working with local iwi and Bay of Plenty Regional Council to gain resource consent before these stream-side projects can be started.
