Work starts on Waikato shared path

Cyclists including electric bike riders will be able to use the first section of the 20km Cambridge to Hamilton Te Awa shared path in about six months.

E-bike fan associate transport minister Julie Anne Genter has announced the start of construction on the NZ Transport Agency’s $7.9 million section.

The three councils involved are due to begin work on their sections within the next year, with the full $20m path completed by 2021, likely to be used by about 225 cyclists and walkers daily.

Genter says while the path, which runs from Hamilton Gardens to Cambridge’s Avantidrome, will be an important link for the Tamahere community, it’s also significant in linking together existing routes that will make up the full 60km Te Awa River Ride.

“In addition to providing safer cycling and walking links to key facilities such as the school, shops and the church for the Tamahere community, this final link in the Te Awa shared path will bring further recreational and tourism opportunities to communities along the mighty Waikato River.”

The path is mainly off-road and will follow the Waikato River in places while including bridges and boardwalks.