Picture this. You stand before the Avondale – New Lynn Bypass Plaque. A simple plaque perhaps. Yet it silently speaks volumes. It whispers of a transformative project. A project that reshaped the very landscape around us.
This unassuming plaque commemorates the completion of the New Lynn to Avondale shared path. A 2.9 kilometer pathway. It’s a lifeline for cyclists and pedestrians. It links New Lynn and Avondale train stations. It connects to other vital routes too. The Waterview Shared Path for instance. The Northwestern cycleway. Even the city centre networks. Think of the countless journeys this path facilitates. The daily commutes. The leisurely rides. The families enjoying a day out.
The story of this path is far from simple. It began with a suggestion. A vision for a cycleway along the Western Line. Years of planning followed. Extensive public consultation shaped the final design. Imagine the passionate debates. The compromises made. The voices heard. The path’s final alignment differed significantly from initial proposals. This was partly due to safety concerns regarding existing railway crossings. The inclusion of an underpass at St George’s Road is a testament to this.
Construction began in November 2019. It wasn’t smooth sailing though. The project faced unexpected challenges. The pandemic. Lockdowns. Material shortages. These obstacles tested the resolve of everyone involved. Yet the project persevered.
Finally the path opened on June 4 2022. A blessing by mana whenua marked the occasion. An official opening followed. Mayor Phil Goff and Minister for Transport Michael Wood were in attendance. The $44.3 million project was complete. The Avondale – New Lynn Bypass Plaque stands as a monument to this achievement.
It represents more than just a pathway. It symbolizes connection. It showcases community collaboration. It reflects a commitment to sustainable transport solutions. And it’s a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. As you stand here today take a moment to appreciate this quiet testament to human ingenuity. To appreciate the journey. To appreciate the path ahead.