The Pito-One to Melling shared pathway. Photo: Supplied / Waka Kotahi
The first of three sections of the Te Ara Tupua cycleway which will link up Wellington and Lower Hutt has had its official opening ceremony.
The new 3.5 kilometre route, named the Pito-One to Melling cycleway, is the northernmost of the sections and it provides a separated cycle path with shared connections linking the Petone train station to the Hutt River Trail.
It will link to the Ngā Ūranga to Pito-One shared pathway once that section of Te Ara Tupua is completed in 2026, and it will also connect with future walking and cycling infrastructure built as part of Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi / RiverLink project.
Waka Kotahi regional manager of infrastructure delivery Jetesh Bhula said completing the shared path was a milestone moment.
"It is a huge achievement for Te Ara Tupua and a fantastic asset for the community. It highlights our commitment to creating a safe and attractive connection between the two cities.
"Te Ara Tupua will play an essential part in creating sustainable transport options, reducing carbon emissions, and easing the pressure on our transport network. It will be great to see people using this route every day - regardless of if it's for work or recreation," he said.
It is a long awaited milestone after significant delays and blowouts with the project.
Most recently, work had to be stopped after four little blue penguins, kororā, were found dead close to or in the site.
Waka Kotahi said the Pito-One to Melling cycleway was a safe alternative to cycling on State Highway 2 for those who commute.
The project is funded through the National Land Transport Fund (NLTF) and Urban Cycleways Fund by Waka Kotahi, with a contribution from the Hutt City Council.