Hard News by Russell Brown

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Hard News: The Sky Trench

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  • mpledger,

    My office in Auckland use to look back towards the Grafton Bridge and I saw someone jump off once. They jumped at the hospital end so the drop wasn't large enough to kill themselves, they just broke their legs. I think this was the gap in time between when the fence came down along the bridge and when a new fence went up.

    Being a Wellingtonian, I suspect cross-winds are an issue on the bridge but it looks like a great place for every graffiti arttist to get their work seen.

    Since Oct 2012 • 97 posts Report Reply

  • Ian Dalziel, in reply to Jeremy Andrew,

    Now don’t be slow
    Come on!

    ….”
    Wrong bridge though.

    Graft on...
    with proud scum, crowds come...
    ;- )

    Christchurch • Since Dec 2006 • 7953 posts Report Reply

  • JessicaRose, in reply to Patrick Reynolds,

    Hear hear Patrick, I couldn't believe what I was reading. What happened to the public consultation survey we all filled out asking if we wanted the path in technicolor or city street grey? I don't recall a question on 'whopping great unnecessary and massively ugly cage'. Commenting from Portland, the city of bridges, where people just ride bikes on any of them and enjoy great views. I actually stopped and took a few pics, was wonderful.

    Auckland • Since Sep 2011 • 61 posts Report Reply

  • Russell Brown, in reply to JessicaRose,

    I don’t recall a question on ‘whopping great unnecessary and massively ugly cage’.

    Quite. It's OIA-worthy, I think.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 22850 posts Report Reply

  • Helen Searancke,

    I haven't ever heard of anything being thrown or anyone hurling themselves off Hopetoun Bridge, above this new cycleway.

    I was looking forward to that view very much. Recently I've seen the Harbour Bridge all lit up along its outline, from up on Union Street and it made me keen to see it from the vantage point of the cycleway. I even hoped the two developments were connected in some way.

    However, I should know by now that any NZTA project outside of conventional roading will always leave me disappointed. (I'm still angry that they/Auckland Council et al didn't underground the Victoria Park flyover when they had the chance. Another wasted opportunity.)

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 24 posts Report Reply

  • Helen Searancke,

    And in the NZTA survey, wasn't there a question about this cycleway being attractive to tourists? What tourist wants to cycle or walk on a disused motorway with views obscured by whacking great fences. NYC Highline it aint.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 24 posts Report Reply

  • BenWilson,

    Without approving of this twist, I can think of one advantage to it - it will serve as a windbreak.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 10657 posts Report Reply

  • Grant McDougall, in reply to Patrick Reynolds,

    The justification for the rush is a ribbon cutting deadline set by the PM’s office.

    The naming of the All Blacks' World Cup squad at Parliament this Sunday also smacks of a craven photo-opportunity, too.

    Dunedin • Since Dec 2006 • 760 posts Report Reply

  • Ian Dalziel,

    Attachment

    This much cheaper version was vetoed for some reason...

    Christchurch • Since Dec 2006 • 7953 posts Report Reply

  • Steve Barnes, in reply to Hilary Stace,

    NZTA people are obviously not cyclists.
    They also got it very wrong on Wellington's silly flyover too, but fortunately the people eventually won.

    According to Peter Dunne, today in Parliament, NZTA is out of control and they have yet to decide whether to appeal the flyover and appear to be ignoring all advice. The head of NZTA is set to resign at thew end of the year and this may indicate a change of attitude within the authority.

    I imagine there'd be a risk assessment - is road design covered by H&S legislation nowadays?

    I guess that depends on whether or not the worm turns nasty and is deemed "High Risk".

    a ribbon cutting deadline set by the PM's office.

    Well, what is the point of doing anything other than a photo op for Mr Smile and Wave to prove just how great he is, after all, the cycle path was only the first promise he made and he has to show he can keep a promise, seven long years later.

    The naming of the All Blacks' World Cup squad at Parliament this Sunday also smacks of a craven photo-opportunity, too.

    zackly.

    What tourist wants to cycle or walk on a disused motorway with views obscured by whacking great fences.

    You may have the opportunity to ask the Minister for Tourism when he cuts his ribbon.
    The part that gets my most annoyed is the "we can't change it now, we have already ordered the parts from Germany" FFS.

    Peria • Since Dec 2006 • 5521 posts Report Reply

  • Ian Dalziel, in reply to Steve Barnes,

    ...we have already ordered the parts from Germany” FFS.

    Can come from Germany...
    they have many good parts!


    <on me bike>

    Christchurch • Since Dec 2006 • 7953 posts Report Reply

  • Steve Barnes,

    Meanwhile, in between photo-ops his influence, like a rolling maul, rolls on...

    Dita De Boni ‏@KeepingMum Aug 9
    Hi all. In answer to questions, it is true the Herald has discontinued my column as of three weeks from now. Reason given = budget

    Peria • Since Dec 2006 • 5521 posts Report Reply

  • Rich of Observationz,

    Back in Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 5550 posts Report Reply

  • FletcherB,

    Heres a contrasting viewpoint...

    http://caa.org.nz/the-nelson-st-transformation-ramps-up-steel-yourself-for-something-special/

    Short version- wait and see once it's finished, it may not be as bad as you were expecting...

    West Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 893 posts Report Reply

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