The final piece of the new Cambridge Pathway is complete, proving a hit with children, families and commuters alike and making travel to and from school safer and easier.
The newly finished pathway, largely funded by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, connects the existing Hamilton Road pathway and Te Awa River Ride to the heart of the town, passing Cambridge Middle School and Cambridge Primary School.
Cambridge Primary School Board of Trustees Chairperson Kate Paine said the pathway’s success has been immediate, offering much-needed relief for parents and students.
“It has not only helped alleviate congestion, it’s given our parents confidence to drop their children at varying points along the route so they can make the rest of the journey independently. We have also seen a huge increase in children cycling to and from school,” said Paine.
As well as the pathway, the project introduced several safety features, including two roundabouts, raised safety platforms to slow traffic at intersections, new and upgraded pedestrian crossings and footpaths, and a boardwalk along Duke Street.
The final part of the project, an extension on Clare and Grey Street North outside Cambridge Middle School, has just been completed.
Transportation manager Bryan Hudson thanked Cambridge residents for their patience during the last 15 months. “We know the disruption has been tough, but the finished project is worth the wait,” Hudson said. “The pathway is already being enjoyed by everyone, from tamariki cycling to school to elderly residents using mobility scooters to get to town. The improvements are making travel safer and more accessible for all.”
The project, which began in October 2023, was funded by a $7.2 million grant from NZTA as part of its initiative to increase transport options around the country. An additional $3 million came from Waipā District Council’s 2021-2031 Long-Term Plan budget for urban mobility projects.
Since then, there’s been a big jump in people using the pathways, with 89,418 people using the Hamilton Road path last year – a significant increase from 23,905 users in 2023.
The project was built by local Cambridge contractors, Camex Civil, and is already making Cambridge a more connected, safer place for everyone to travel.
To keep the momentum going and encourage more cycling across Waipā, the council is urging schools and businesses to sign up for the Aotearoa Bike Challenge this February, with prizes up for grabs. For more details and to join the fun, visit lovetoride.net/nz.
