This week, we turned on the lights for the Railway Reserve, making it safer and more usable for cyclists, runners and walkers. The completed project, which started in March last year, now provides 7.6km of lighting all the way from Victory and Nelson Intermediate School to Wakatu Estate and Bunnings.
The Railway Reserve is one of Nelson’s special treasures. It was a miracle that 40 years ago, when Railways proposed to sell the land in sections to adjacent properties, Nelson City Council stepped in to secure the continuous pathway. It has been gradually enhanced with attractive plantings, seating, exercise areas and connecting lanes to adjacent neighbourhoods.
This enhancement of 142 lights is about extending the time the reserve can be safely used. A total of 135 lights are the very efficient LED type that are designed to avoid spill and glare. The remaining seven lights in the area around Quarantine Road are solar powered as they were more cost effective due to underground service complications in this stretch.
The lighting cost $1.9 million, with 51% coming from Government and 49% from Council and ratepayers. I consider it a wise investment. It will make commuter cycling during these dark winter months much more viable. I see thousands of Nelsonians of all ages and their dogs enjoying the reserve. It is one of my favourite running routes and for me it means keeping fitter through winter when it is so much harder to find time to be able to exercise outside.
The completion of this lighting is also a tribute to local democracy. Council received a petition for these lights back in 2020. It is never possible to satisfy every request because of cost but this is a good example of local advocacy being listened to and delivered.
My strong support for this project is part of my approach that Council needs to invest in all modes of transport – roads, buses, cycleways and walkways. People are different in their transport needs and require choices. This lighting project is an important step in making cycling and walking in Nelson even more attractive.
