TR2 SHARED PATH DEMAND ASSESSMENT DEMAND ASSESSMENT SHARED PATH AND DESIGN AND DESIGN REVIEW REVIEW Quality Assurance Prepared by Simon Kennett, Principal Multi-modal Advisor, Safe and Sustainable Technical Services, Transport Services, Waka Kotahi Revision History: Revision Author Reviewer Approved for Issue Name Signature Name Signature Date June Simon Tim Gerry 25/09/2020 2020 Kennett Hughes Dance Quality Information Document Title: Ngā Ūranga ki Pito-One Shared Path Project: Shared path demand and design assessment Version: Final Date: 25 September 2020 Prepared by: Simon Kennett Reviewed by: Tim Hughes Approved by: Gerry Dance File Name: Disclaimer This report has been prepared with reference to the best guidelines and information available in mid-2020. NGĀ ŪRANGA KI PITO-ONE SHARED PATH PROJECT: SHARED PATH DEMAND ASSESSMENT AND DESIGN REVIEW 1 Executive summary The purpose of this assessment is to assess the likely demand for the Ngā Ūranga ki Pito-One Shared Path Project (Project), once constructed, and in light of that demand, review the proposed Project design. The Project has been developed by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) and involves the construction of a shared path from the Ngā Ūranga Interchange to just south of the Pito-One Railway Station in the north.1 The Project is described in detail in section 4 of this report but, at a high level, involves the following: a) A rail overbridge (the shared path bridge) across the Hutt Valley Railway Line, connecting the shared path from Ngā Ūranga to the coastal edge; b) A path with a 5m surface width on existing and newly created land and coastal structures, on the seaward side of the Hutt Valley Railway Line; c) A varied coastal edge which incorporates ūranga (landings), a rocky revetment and the intermittent use of strategically placed seawalls along the path edge. The coastal edge treatment provides resilence, reflects the natural landscape, avoids sensitive habitat areas, provides for cultural expression and enhances amenity; d) Construction of new offshore habitat for coastal avifauna; e) Connections to the Pito-One to Melling (P2M) path and The Esplanade; f) Construction of a new Integrated Clubs Building at the eastern end of the Reserve and an associated car parking area; and g) A two-stage development of new cultural facilities at the Reserve, including: i. Construction of three temporary Tāwharau Pods, consisting of three small building pods designed to accommodate a range of cultural or community uses, at the eastern end of the Reserve; and ii. Post-construction, the construction of a whare to the west of Korokoro Stream, and permanent relocation of the Tāwharau Pods to a site adjacent to the Project at the western end of the Reserve. The Project will deliver a critical link in the existing walking and cycling network by providing a high quality and safe shared path between Ngā Ūranga and Pito-One. The existing facilities in this area are substandard and unsafe. Once constructed, the Project will connect with other paths and future projects at the northern and southern ends, and provide a key link in the network. Together with other projects, the Project forms part of Te Ara Tupua programme of works. The Project also aligns directly with Government Policy Statement objectives. Demand for the Project, once constructed, has been estimated with reference to a previous estimate but updated to reflect more accurate and recent information about shared path use. The estimate has also had reference to existing background growth in active modes in the region, population growth and urban development, comparison with similar projects and demand estimates and other anticipated developments in the network. This assessment has found that: • Within 12 months of completion of the Project, path use will grow to an average of 1,812 visits (total of both directions) per weekday, with 75% of users being people on bikes. AM peak hour use is expected to be 320 people. • A similar number of visits are expected on an average weekend day, although with a significantly higher proportion of users being on foot. • Between 2025 and 2035, path use is expected to double. 1 This report uses the preferred Te Reo spelling of Ngā Ūranga and Pito-One even where the official name may instead use Ngauranga or Petone. Sensitivity: General The proposed design for the Project has been assessed with reference to the above assessment. In general terms, the proposed design is adequate. A key consideration is path width. The proposed path width for this Project is appropriate as it will cater well for immediate and future demand. In particular, the 5m width proposed for the majority of the Project route is necessary to future-proof the Project should demand grow to such a level that separation of cyclists and pedestrians is required in the future. Matters that will require careful consideration in the detailed design phase include: • The path's design through Honiana Te Puni Reserve; • Markings along the Project route to manage potential conflicts between users; • The gradient and frequency of landings on the shared path bridge; • Path surfaces; and • Lighting design. In conclusion, the Project will deliver a high-quality facility between Ngā Ūranga and Pito-One and provide a critical link in the overall cycling and walking network. The proposed Project design is appropriate for the anticipated level of demand, and in particular, the proposed path width of 5m along the majority of the Project route is appropriate and necessary. This report has been prepared in support of the notices of requirement and applications for resource consent for the Project made by Waka Kotahi under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020 (COVID-19 Recovery Act). In particular, this report supports the assessment of the Project's effects on the environment as required by the COVID-19 Recovery Act. The requirements of the COVID-19 Recovery Act and an overall assessment of the effects of the Project on the environment are set out in the Assessment of Effects on the Environment. 2 Purpose of assessment The purpose of this assessment is to: • Consider the existing environment for cyclists and pedestrians travelling between Ngā Ūranga and Pito-One; • Assess the likely demand for the proposed shared path once completed; • Assess and review the proposed design of the shared path against its anticipated demand; and • Make recommendations for any changes required to the design and/or operation of the shared path to ensure it is fit for purpose and its positive benefits are maximised as much as possible within site constraints. 3 Qualifications and experience Simon Kennett of Waka Kotahi’s Safe and Sustainable Transport Team, Transport Services, has been engaged to undertake this assessment. I have the following qualifications and experience: • I hold a Bachelor of Science degree (geography), Victoria University, 2001. • I hold a Diploma in Environmental Management, Auckland University, 1999. • I am currently a Principal Multi-modal Advisor in the Safe and Sustainable Transport Team, Transport Services at Waka Kotahi, having been with Waka Kotahi since 2015. Key roles include managing Waka Kotahi's cycling network and design guidance, managing development of research into best practice shared path design and regulation, co-delivering courses on cycle safety and cycleway design, and reviewing major cycleway designs from around the country. • I was a member of the New Zealand Cycling Safety Panel in 2013-14. NGĀ ŪRANGA KI PITO-ONE SHARED PATH PROJECT // 3 Sensitivity: General • I was previously an Active Transport and Road Safety Coordinator at Greater Wellington Regional Council (2009-2015). Key roles included chairing the Regional Active Transport Forum, managing development of the regional walking and cycling journey planner, development of the 2015 regional strategic walking and cycling network maps, and review of walking and cycling policies in the Wellington region. • I was previously a Partner at Kennett Brothers Ltd (cycling writers, publishers, event organisers, consultants, trail designers and builders) (1994-2009). My role included co- writing ‘RIDE – the story of cycling in New Zealand’, work on several council cycling strategies, and coordinating the development of the national cycling advocates network (for Waka Kotahi). I confirm that I have read the Code of Conduct for expert witnesses contained in the Environment Court Practice Note 2014. This assessment has been prepared in compliance with that Code. In particular, unless I state otherwise, this assessment is within my area of expertise and I have not omitted to consider material facts known to me that might alter or detract from the opinions I express. I have made my employer (Waka Kotahi) aware of my obligation to give independent expert advice when giving evidence under this Code of Conduct. 4 Project description The Project is part of Te Ara Tupua programme of works, which involves the development of pedestrian and cyclist facilities between Wellington CBD, Pito-One and Melling. The Project involves the construction of a shared path from the Ngā Ūranga Interchange to just south of the Pito-One Railway Station in the north and associated works as shown in Figure 1. The Project will cater for active transport modes including cycling and walking, and will provide an alternative to the existing State Highway 2 (SH2) cycle path located between the Hutt Valley Railway Line and the southbound SH2 carriageway. Works at Honiana Te Puni Reserve (the Reserve) provide for the removal and replacement of the existing Wellington Rowing Association and Wellington Water Ski Club facilities at, and adjacent to, the Reserve and the introduction of new cultural facilities into the Reserve. The primary objective of the Project and wider Te Ara Tupua programme is to provide safe walking and cycling infrastructure between Wellington and the Hutt Valley which will act as a catalyst for increased use of active transport modes.