What to expect during construction
The development of the two-way bike path on Evans Bay Parade between Carlton Gore Road on Oriental Bay and Greta Point is a major project for the city.
Construction of the remaining 780m section between Weka Bay and Little Karaka Bay is underway. Our contractor Downer started at Weka Bay where the previously completed paths end, and the team will work back to Little Karaka Bay.
This is the narrowest part of the route between Oriental Bay and Greta Point and it’s taken longer than expected to complete the investigative and planning work required.
The seawall work follows on from the new walls that were completed at Ōmarukaikuru (Pt Jerningham). The new and improved seawalls will create more space for the new paths and strengthen resilience along this part of the coast.
As with the earlier construction of new paths along Cobham Drive, keeping kororā (little blue penguins) safe where work happens is an important aspect of this project.
The Council is working with Greater Wellington Regional Council, Department of Conservation, Places for Penguins and a Wellington-based penguin detection dog and handler from the Kaikoura Ocean Research Institute so we know where penguins are or have been nesting before work starts. Penguin and lizard habitat will be monitored throughout construction.
At Weka Bay
Downer will be working in the Weka Bay area for about five months. They will:
- build the next 245m section of walking and biking paths, and install a new balustrade
- install a safer crossing point
- improve safety at the city-bound bus stop on the hill side of the road.
The work zone and 30km/h speed limit will start at the southern end of Weka Bay and extend north to just past Maida Vale Road. Two parking spaces on the seaward side will be out of action while the work happens. Work may stop or be reduced while the city hosts the FIFA Women's World Cup (mid-July to mid-August).
- The work on the seaward side will mainly involve installing new kerb and drainage channels, laying new asphalt and concrete paths, changing road markings, and installing a new balustrade.
- We will also strengthen and build sections of seawall up to footpath level at Little Karaka Bay and Balaena Bay.
- Work hours are 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, and the road will be down to one lane through the work zone.
- Workers will manage the traffic with stop/go signs.
- A 30km/h speed limit will be in place in and around the work zone.
- At all other times, including weekends, the road will be two-way but the 30km/h speed limit will apply.
- The work zone and 30km/h zone will gradually move closer to the city.
- People will be able to walk, scoot and bike through this area at all times, but will need to take extra care and follow the temporary diversions in place.
- At times, people on bikes may have to get off and walk through the temporary pedestrian detour on the seaward side or share the road with other traffic. Kerb ramps will be installed.
- It will take longer to travel through this area particularly 9am to 4pm, so take another route if you can or allow extra time.
- Large vehicles and goods trucks that can’t use the Mt Victoria Tunnel will still be able to use the route.
- As with all construction, there will be machinery operating at times but in general, the work shouldn’t be too noisy.
- Some parking and bus stops will be temporarily affected in some locations while work happens.
- There may be times when other areas need to be coned off temporarily for safety reasons while work is completed.