This project will
Create cycleway linking suburbs with the city
Improve biking and pedestrian safety
Allow for future growth in city-wide bike network
Temporary gate closure - 4 March 2024
Gate 2 at Claudelands Park (off Heaphy Terrace) will be closed from Monday 4 March 2024 for safety upgrades. The work is expected to take two weeks to complete, weather depending.
While Gate 2 is temporarily closed, we’re directing people to use the Gate 3 entrance on Brooklyn Road to access Magical Bridge Playground and park facilities, as well as temporary parking. There will be signage and a VMS board to detour park users from Gate 2 to Gate 3.
The safety upgrades include an off-road, two-way cycleway which will link Fairfield and the central city via Claudelands Bridge, and driveway improvements along Heaphy Terrace outside Claudelands Park to make it safe for people walking or biking to cross.
Project Summary
What we're doing
We are planning to provide an off-road, two-way cycleway which will link Fairfield and the central city via Claudelands Bridge.
The upgrades include:
- Construct an off-road two-way cycleway adjacent to Heaphy Terrace, between Boundary Road and Brooklyn Road.
- Complete driveway improvements along Heaphy Terrace outside Claudelands Park, to make it safe for people walking or biking to cross.
- Complete a street lighting assessment and upgrade where required.
Why we're doing it
This project is part of a wider bike network plan already underway. We’ve already completed changes to Claudelands Bridge in 2019 and intersection upgrades around Grey Street in late 2022.
The changes are linked to future improvements as part of Eastern Pathways Te Ara o te Rawhiti, which aims to provide safe and accessible cycleways for residents who live, work and study in Hamilton East.
This project is connected to the Claudelands Park Connections and the Brooklyn Road street improvements projects.
Where are we at
-
Stage 1 - Planning
September 2023
Public feedback has closed, and the project has moved to the design phase. -
Stage 2 - Underway
December 2023
With final design and construction approval from Waka Kotahi, we expect work to begin in December 2023. -
Stage 3 - Completed
May 2024
Our goal is to complete the project by May 2024. All projects in the Transport Choices programme will be completed by June 2024.
Frequently asked questions
How will this project improve community feel and accessibility?
Claudelands Park is a key central location between the city centre and the eastern suburbs of Hamilton. The protected bike lanes will make it safer for people on bikes, people using scooters and pedestrians to travel between the two locations.
Will these changes make it easier to access the green spaces and recreational areas?
Yes. The new cycleway and safety improvements on Heaphy Terrace will increase connectivity to Claudelands Park, one of the city’s premier green spaces. Two other projects planned for neighbouring Brooklyn Road and Claudelands Park involve new pedestrian crossings, protected bike lanes and a shared pathway to make it easier for people to access the park too.
What considerations are there for people with disabilities?
Raised platforms at the entrances to Claudelands Park and a raised pedestrian crossing on Heaphy Terrace will make it safer for people with disabilities to travel along the street, access bus services and other community buildings.
What happens to existing bollards on Heaphy Terrace?
The existing bollards/boundary line will be relocated and set back behind a new footpath next to the cycle track.
Will any trees be damaged by the construction work?
Council arborists will be assessing the tree root network of nearby tree line, measures will be taken for root protection where required.
What impact will this work have on vehicle access?
There are five entrances into Claudelands Park and Claudelands Event Centre along Heaphy Terrace, which have relatively low traffic volumes, and some have restricted access with bollards installed. All entrances will have a raised safety platform to ensure continuity of the bike lanes.
How much will all this cost and how can council afford it?
Transport Choices projects are funded up to 90% by the Climate Emergency Response Fund (CERF), not taxpayer or road user charges. Councils fund the balance of project costs. Funding for Transport Choices is administered by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
Heaphy Terrace project budget, $1.35 million. Council’s share is $135,000.
Claudelands Park shared pathway project budget, $750,000. Council’s share is $75,000.
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Last updated 12 March 2024