Dunedin walkers and cyclists are able to enjoy a new stretch of a shared path on Otago Peninsula that has been two years in the making.
The path is the second section of the Peninsula Connection project and involved widening and raising the road, a new seawall and a new shared path, including sections of raised boardwalk running alongside the road.
Despite some finishing touches being added to the $26million section, which covers 4.4.km of Portobello Rd between Vauxhall and Macandrew Bay, it is officially open to the public.
Dunedin City Council transport group manager Jeanine Benson said the completion of the project, jointly funded by the NZ Transport Agency, marked an important milestone for the wider project.
“The wait has definitely been worth it.
“As each section of the project has been completed the local community has seen the benefits it has brought to the local area in terms of walking and cycling and connecting the community"
Since work began in 2018, about 65,000cum of fill was carted to the site in 3800 truck and trailer movements.
More than 9000 native plants were planted around the paths.
Ms Benson said 14 new "share the path" decals were added every 500m along the new sections, reminding walkers and cyclists to be considerate of each other.
An official opening ceremony scheduled for this week has been delayed due to Covid-19 restrictions.
