More room on the way up the hill

The shared path that leads up Control Gates Hill is being widened to improve safety and accommodate more users.

An upgraded path has been designed to allow pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users, buggies and prams to use it simultaneously. It is being widened in line with our Walking and Cycling Strategy and in consultation with Bike Taupo.

The path is currently only 1.4 metres wide, which does not easily accommodate people travelling in both directions. The new route will be up to three metres wide, which should allow for an easy flow of traffic.

The project kicked off on Monday and will affect a 500 metre section starting just south of Control Gates Bridge.

Infrastructure manager Denis Lewis said it was likely to be the first part of a project that would see the path eventually widened all the way to the top of the hill.

"We are committed to improving our paths and cycleways to make for a better experience for our community and visitors," he said. "Hopefully this project will help us achieve that."

A few cracks that had been identified as trip hazards in the current path will be eliminated during the work and a wastewater manhole currently in the path will also be relocated to ensure a smooth journey up and down the hill.

A timber fence will also be installed alongside a sheer bank near the intersection of Wairakei Drive and Norman Smith Street to improve safety.