3 Mar 2022

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People travelling between Redcliffs and Sumner may encounter some road works over the coming weeks as work ramps up on the missing section of the Te Ara Ihutai Christchurch Coastal Pathway.

The Coastal Pathway allows people to walk, cycle, scoot or skate safely off-road along the coast from Ferrymead to Scarborough, but construction of the final section (between the eastern end of Redcliffs Village and Shag Rock, Sumner) only started in November 2021.

Fulton Hogan were awarded the contract to build the pathway and are about to begin sheet piling work that could cause some disruptions.

They are going to be driving large metal sheets into the ground alongside the existing footpath to create a barrier that will allow them to safety begin constructing the new four-metre wide shared pathway.

The piling work is expected to take about six weeks to complete.

Council Head of Transport Lynette Ellis says two lanes of traffic will be maintained on Main Road while the piling work is done but people should be aware that some temporary traffic management may be in place.

“In some locations cyclists will merge with traffic so please be patient and keep an eye out for other road users,’’ Ms Ellis says.

To bring in the machinery needed to construct the Coastal Pathway, Fulton Hogan have had to temporarily remove a section of heritage rock wall along Main Road.  They have carefully removed the rocks so that they can be put back in place once construction of the pathway has been completed.

The remaining sections of the rock wall have been covered for protection while the construction work is done.

Changes are also being made at the entrance to Bay View Road, with new kerbs and channels, footpaths, plant beds and minor drainage works under construction. This means there will be no access in or out of Bay View Road at the intersection of Main Road for a few weeks. A detour is available via Wakatu Avenue so please follow the detour signs.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused by this construction work but it is really important that we get on and build this final section of the Christchurch Coastal Pathway because it will be a wonderful city asset that residents and visitors alike will enjoy,’’ Ms Ellis says.

Te Ara Ihutai Christchurch Coastal Pathway is being developed with support from the Government’s Shovel Ready Project Fund.