In the Queenstown Trails Trust's 10 year plan Queenstown Trails for the future 2015-2025, we highlighted the importance of commuting and we set out to build a network of trails that will encourage greater participation and contribute to healthier lifestyles for our residents of Queenstown. The Queenstown Trails Trust aims to improve connectivity of Queenstown and the surrounding communities and set a target of having a trail within 10 minutes of all Queenstown communities and increasing the use of the trail network annually by 10%. We want to see cycling and walking or 'active transport' as a viable alternative to cars. We believe this will lead to greater health and environmental benefits to our local communities and give a better return on investment on trail infrastructure.
Since 2015, Queenstown Trails Trust has played a key stakeholder role in planning and advocating for the best possible connections. Way2Go (QLDC, NZTA and ORC) are finally pushing forward with the detailed design for the first stage of the Wakatipu Active Transport routes, which will overlap and complement the existing Queenstown Trail network.
Seven routes have been prioritised and QLDC is currently seeking feedback on these routes - for more info go HERE. QTT has a particular interest in some of these proposed routes as we have been planning / advocating for their development for over 5 years.
(photo from QLDC's Active Transport engagement booklet)
First up is a sealed track from Shotover Country to the Old Lower Shotover Bridge and up Jim’s Way. Currently it is proposed to go as far as a very dangerous road crossing (SH6 opposite Bunnings) with no provision to cross the highway. The Queenstown Trails Trust is pushing W2G and NZTA hard for a grade separated crossing (bridge) over the cutting from Jim's Way to the QLDC reserve land behind Glenda Drive. This would create a link to the bus stops and existing trail on the southern side of SH6. The existing trail in front of the Warehouse to the Events Centre would be legitimised by adding signalised crossings at Hawthorne Drive and Grant Road. But even better, the bridge would allow us to build a second trail on top of the bank behind Glenda Drive, leading all the way to the shared pathway at the Runway End Safety Area (RESA) and straight to the high school with zero road conflict – QLDC are asking for feedback on Let’s Talk at the moment, so be sure to support the bridge over the highway idea rather than asking commuters to still cross the busy SH6. Make your feedback heard via QLDC's engagement survey HERE .
Other exciting routes under advanced planning stages are the Lake Hayes Estate to (south) Frankton route via a new bridge on the true right of the Kawarau river, as well as a proposed new crossing of the Shotover River at Arthurs Point, which would provide a cycling route downstream from the 1-lane Edith Cavell Bridge, linking into an upgraded shared path beside Gorge Road.
Jack’s Point to Frankton is also currently at the detailed design stage and landowner easements being finalised. Check out route A7 on the engagement document for more info HERE.
Find out more about the Wakatipu Active Transport project below and be sure to have your say.
Feedback deadline is 27th January 2021.
For more info on the seven prioritised active transport routes: QLDC Way to Go Engagement Booklet >
To have your say via QLDC's Let's Talk platform, please complete this survey on their proposal to improves tracks around the Wakatipu, be sure to mention on Route A2: Shotover River to Frankton - a safe way to cross the SH6 must be provided: Complete the Survey >
