The government has announced it will fully fund a walking and cycling link across the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
A graphic showing the entrance to the proposed walkway. Photo: Copyright © 2011 - 2014 Generation Zero Incorporated.
It has confirmed this afternoon that $67 million of the National Land Transport Fund will be invested in the link, known as SkyPath.
The SkyPath pedestrian and cycle pathway across the bridge was given the green light in 2016 with the Environment Court granting the project its resource consent.
Transport Minister Phil Twyford said SkyPath was a transformational project that would give Aucklanders the freedom to walk and cycle from the North Shore to the city.
"SkyPath is the obvious, critical missing link in Auckland's cycle network and will become an iconic feature of Auckland's Harbour Bridge.
"SkyPath has been talked about for over a decade, but it now has the funding certainty to move ahead," said Mr Twyford.
A detailed business case, which will provide more certainty around the design and timing of the project, will completed by NZTA by the middle of next year, Mr Twyford said.
Acting Associate Transport Minister James Shaw said the $390 million National Land Transport Fund package would be the largest investment ever in walking and cycling infrastructure for New Zealand.
"More and more Kiwis want the freedom to cycle safely around their towns and cities, and this investment in safe cycle infrastructure is needed to making that possible," said Mr Shaw.
Patrick Morgan, from Cycling Action Network, said the funding was good news for those who ride bikes, and those who didn't.
"With more and more people discovering the joy and convenience of riding a bike, it's no surprise the government wants to invest.
"But this is not just about getting on your bike. We're all better off with less congestion, lower transport bills, cleaner air and better health," Mr Morgan said.
The funding is part of a $390 million investment in walking and cycling projects nationwide over the next three years.