Eastside Link cycleway gets go-ahead

Masterton District Council today approved the construction of the Eastside Link cycleway running from the Masterton netball courts to Kuripuni.

Design and construction of the project will be fully funded as part of the Transport Choices programme which is providing $1.1 million, through Waka Kotahi.

The route will run along Colombo Road from the netball courts, down Johnstone Street to Mākoura Road, and up Kuripuni Street, and will feature a combination of on-road bi-directional and single-lane cycle lanes, and shared space on footpaths.

It will provide safer cycling opportunities for pupils of four schools – Mākoura College, Chanel College, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Wairarapa, and Lakeview Primary – as well as early childhood centre Ko Te Aroha, and Puawānanga Wairarapa Young Parents centre.

The final route was developed following community feedback on an initial design down Colombo Road to Herbert Street.

Cr Tim Nelson said the cycleway was the result of genuine consultation and engagement with the community.

“We had some excellent feedback from the community on the best route for the cycleway, and the final design reflects that,” he said.

“The Eastside Link will be a wonderful asset for the community, and I believe it is just the beginning of work to make cycling more accessible in Masterton.”

Transport Choices aims to demonstrate what’s possible for communities across Aotearoa New Zealand, by quickly providing people with more transport options, and making it easier to travel in ways that are good for all of us and our environment.

Kathryn King, Manager Urban Mobility at Waka Kotahi, said the Transport Choices programme was set up to enable local Councils to fast-track projects like this one, that support a rapid shift to more sustainable and more active ways of getting around.

“These projects are a step towards a future where it is easier, safer, and more affordable to travel, work, and play on our streets.

“We congratulate Masterton District Councillors for the leadership they have shown finalising plans for the Eastside Link.”

Work is likely to start on the Eastside Link cycleway in early 2024 after detailed design work and a tendering process are complete.