Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is celebrating the completion of three road and pathway projects.

Two projects – a shared pathway adjacent to Aubrey Road and sealing a 4km stretch of Ballantyne Road – were finished when weather conditions allowed the final sections of seal to be laid after winter. 

The third project – a footpath next to a section of Ballantyne Road closer to the town centre – was completed earlier in the year.

QLDC councillor and Wānaka Community Board (WCB) member Quentin Smith said the new pathways reflect the Upper Clutha community’s desire for local infrastructure that promotes active transport.

“There has been a long‐standing strong desire in the community for improved connections and safety for walking and cycling to encourage more people to leave their cars at home. 

“The completion of these projects along with recent upgrades along Lakeside Road has delivered more than 4km of wide, smooth paths to make biking, walking, scootering and skating an easy and safe way to get around.”

The Aubrey Road pathway runs from Gunn Road in Albert Town to the junction with Anderson Road and the Ballantyne Road pathway connects the golf course intersection and Three Parks.

Quentin said this was “just the start”, noting there was another $5M funding for the ‘schools to pool’ project “and more down the track”.

The sealing and line marking on the area of Ballantyne Road closest to SH6, completed late last month, had been welcomed by Mt Barker residents, WCB deputy chair Ed Taylor said. 

"I recognise the people of Mount Barker have been pushing for this work for some time. I became involved as the community board’s liaison with residents of this area and have been getting lots of great feedback from locals who are loving their new road," he said.

Ed said the project also included relocating 50 power poles in conjunction with Aurora and working with Chorus, Spark and Vodafone, which will facilitate future network upgrades between Wānaka and Luggate.

QLDC roading operations and contracts manager Ben Greenwood thanked the community for their patience and co‐operation during the projects.

“We acknowledge the temporary disruption to residents during the construction phase but feel confident these upgraded routes will bring significant community benefits in terms of active transport options and increased safety for many years to come,” he said.

All three projects were jointly funded by QLDC and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

PHOTO: Wānaka App