The accessible all-weather shared path in Katikati is coming, although there are now some delays due to the recent weather.

"Our contractors can't pour concrete in the rain so progress is slow currently," says a Western Bay of Plenty District Council spokesperson.

"Work is continuing on the Katikati shared path, however we're having some delays due to the recent wet weather."

Work on the new 1.2km pathway, connecting the Yeoman Bridge to Park Road Reserve started Monday March 27.

Once completed, it will provide a safe and picturesque 2.5m wide trail for walkers, runners, e-scooters, wheelchair users and mobility scooter riders.

Proposed trail. Photo: WBOPDC.

Weather dependent, the shared path is expected be complete by July 2023 but was delayed this last week due to the wet weather.

'This is already a well-used grass trail, but it tends to get soggy in winter, so we want to provide a path for people of all abilities to enjoy year-round,” says Western Bay of Plenty Council on their website.

'As far as the path alignment goes, we'll be generally following the alignment identified in the original feasibility study. There will be signage along the pathway showing the alignment of each section.

'The path itself will be tinted with a black oxide additive to blend in more closely with the natural environment, as well as being the most cost-effective colour option. The final colour will be very similar to the existing esplanade concrete path section between the end of Park Rd Reserve and Irwin Court.”

Proposed trail. Photo: WBOPDC.

During construction of the path, access to sections along the esplanade reserve will be unavailable at various times.

'Please check the signs on the temporary fencing to see if you can pass through safely or need to follow a recommended detour.”

This project has been on the cards since 2018 when it was included in the adopted Kaitkati-Waihī Beach Reserve Management Plan. Funding has been allocated through the Long-Term Plan 2021-31 process.

Yeoman Bridge to Levley Lane Reserve. Image: WBOPDC.