New Zealand Transport Agency (NZ Transport Agency) has agreed to fund the construction of Dunedin’s Port Chalmers shared path and carry out highway safety improvements works from St Leonards to Port Chalmers.

The State Highway 88 (SH88) Dunedin to Port Chalmers Safety Improvement project is expected to enhance safety for all highway users, including motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

Currently, the shared path runs up to St Leonards, while the remaining 5km of works on the harbour edge is yet to be completed.

Works include the construction of the last stage of the shared walking / cycling path between St Leonards and Port Chalmers and improvements on SH88, as well as deploying roadside safety barriers and improving highway signage.

“Installation of safety measures such as safety barriers and improved road markings is expected to make the SH88 safer and reduce incidents on the road.”

The project will also evaluate potential improvement works to make the SH88 Finch Street intersection safer and enhance pedestrian access to the shared path.

NZ Transport Agency South Island Regional Relationships director Jim Harland said: “Many people in the local community and across Dunedin will be thrilled that the final link in the shared walking and cycling path has construction funding.

“Our team has been working through a host of design options to ensure we have a pathway that will help keep people safe and will deliver the best outcomes for the city’s transport network long-term around the harbour edge to Port Chalmers.”

Installation of safety measures such as safety barriers and improved road markings is expected to make the SH88 safer and reduce incidents on the road.

Detailed design and tender documentation for the shared path will be carried out and submitted in the following months.

The overall project along with safety improvement works is expected to cost between NZD20m ($13.8m) and NZD25m ($17.24m).

NZ Transport Agency will fund the project through the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP).