Let there be light: Railway Reserve lighting improves safety for cyclists and pedestrians
04/07/2023 11:08am
A switched-on project to light a section of Nelson’s popular Railway Reserve between Beatson Road and St Vincent Street (stage 1) has been completed on budget and ahead of schedule.
This work was initiated after Nelson City Council received feedback that the Railway Reserve would be safer for both cyclists and pedestrians if lighting was provided.
Data shows an estimated 559 cyclists and 139 pedestrians use the Railway Reserve between Beatson Road and St Vincent Street every day, making it a popular active travel route.
Work to install lighting from Beatson Road to St Vincent Street (Stage 1) began in mid-March with a budget of $529k which was 51% subsided by Waka Kotahi. The newly installed lights are LED which are approved for dark sky requirements and meet the Waka Kotahi standard for light spill and glare.
The next step will be to continue the lighting project all the way to Saxton Road at Bunnings. Funding for this will come from a mixture of Council, Waka Kotahi and Three Waters Better Off Funding.
Nelson Mayor Nick Smith says this lighting is about improving transport choices in Nelson.
“We have the highest proportion of commuters biking to work in New Zealand but during winter, it is too dark morning and night. There is also a benefit for students walking, biking and scootering from after-school activities and in extending the hours when people can safely walk and run. It’s part of making Nelson the biking capital of New Zealand and the most active and healthiest city.
“Lighting the reserve means more people will feel comfortable using it during the darker winter months.”
Other projects making the Railway Reserve more accessible include the continuation of the South Nelson Streets for People project, which will result in the creation of a safe route for pedestrians and cyclists from the Railway Reserve to Waimea Road. Work is also underway to install a raised pedestrian table connecting the Railway Reserve across Songer Street in Stoke.