Second stage of city pathway begins

Whanganui MP Chester Borrows and Transport Minister Simon Bridges try out an earlier stage of the pathway back in February.

Construction of the next stage of the City to North Mole shared pathway has begun.

W&W Construction Ltd has been awarded the contract for the Balgownie Ave to Gilberd St stage of the pathway, which is part of the New Zealand Transport Authority-funded Urban Cycleways Programme.

Whanganui District Council development engineer Damien Wood said the existing path along the stage will be upgraded to a concrete shared pathway and would be suitable for all users, including those using mobility scooters and wheelchairs.

"We are excited to see another stage of work progressing the development of this fantastic recreational and commuter facility for the Whanganui community," Mr Wood said.

"Most of the project feedback we have seen has been overwhelmingly supportive."

The stage is expected to take until the end of next month to complete, meaning the path will be closed until then.

People are encouraged to use a detour via Heads Rd in the meantime.

"We appreciate that this work will cause disruption to pathway users. Please take care on Heads Rd during the construction period."

The first section of shared pathway from the Whanganui City Bridge to Bedford Ave opened in December 2016.

Once complete, the $1.29 million pathway will create a riverside trail that connects the town centre to the Tasman Sea and is an iconic end point for the Mountains to Sea New Zealand Cycle Trail.