As with the earlier construction of new paths along Cobham Drive, keeping kororā (little blue penguins) safe where work happens on Evans Bay Parade is an important aspect of this project.
The Council is working with Greater Wellington Regional Council, Department of Conservation, Places for Penguins and a Wellington-based penguin detection dog and handler from the DabChickNZ - Specialist Ecological Services so we know where penguins are, or have been nesting before work starts. Penguin and lizard habitats will be monitored throughout construction.
Brad Singh, the Council’s Transport and Infrastructure Manager, says this is the narrowest part of the route between Oriental Bay and Greta Point and it’s taken longer than expected to complete the investigative and planning work required.
“The seawall work follows on from the new walls that were completed at Ōmarukaikuru (Pt Jerningham) and will create more space for the new paths and improve resilience along this part of the coast. Making it safe and easy for people to ride, walk, and use public transport for everyday trips is key to rapidly cutting emissions. We’re asking everyone who travels around the bays to take extra care and be patient while the work is being done.”
Part of Evans Bay Parade will be down to one lane Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. There will be stop/go traffic management and a 30km/h speed limit around the work zone. Outside these hours and at weekends the road will be two-way, but the 30km/h speed limit will still apply.
People walking, scooting, or biking can expect temporary detours through the work zone. People on bikes will either need to walk their bikes through the pedestrian detours or share the traffic lanes. Some parking spaces will be out of action at times while the work happens.
For the first stage of work at Weka Bay, the 30km/h speed limit will start at the southern end of the bay and extend north to just past Maida Vale Road. As the work progresses, the work zone and 30km/h area will move closer to the city.