Work has started on the Te Ara Rimu walking and cycling path. Photo: Jeremy Smith
The first tangible steps towards Kihikihi’s $8 million walking and cycling path, Te Ara Rimu, are underway – but the town’s residents and ratepayers’ association won’t be drawn on whether or not they are steps in the right direction.
That’s because individual members have different views.
The first sod of the two-stage project – slated to take nine months – was turned last week. When finished next May, Te Ara Rimu will include two new roundabouts, cycle paths, footpaths, raised pedestrian crossings and bus stops on Whitmore Street.
Waipā District Council is working on Te Ara Rimu as a partnership project with Waka Kotahi, which has put up $5.64 million. Work on the first phase started last week.
Kihikihi Residents and Ratepayers’ Association secretary treasurer Ruary Laidlaw told The News the organisation wouldn’t be making a statement on the
project. There were varied opinions among the 18 people at its meeting last month.
“There were quite a few people who had mixed views, perhaps depending on the streets in which they live. We respect that,” Laidlaw said.
Waipā District Council’s transportation manager Bryan Hudson said while Te Ara Rimu was a big job, the outcome would be worth it.
