Part 3 – Road Works

3.10    Footpaths

3.10.1    General

In general, all roads shall have a footpath on both sides.

In the following cases, consideration will be given to one path only:

• Where a short cul-de-sac has been deliberately designed to create a slow speed environment; and
• On minor roads in industrial areas where it can be demonstrated that a second footpath is not justified.

In the case of a properly designed shared environment, i.e. where both vehicles and pedestrians have equal priority, a footpath will not be required.

In locations with high concentrations of pedestrians, e.g. shopping area, outside schools and leading to schools, footpath widths require design in consultation with the relevant Council manager.

• Footpath crossfall shall be as specified in Section 3.7.7.
• Where footpath gradients are steeper than 8.33%, a non-skid surface shall be provided.
• Footpaths shall not be depressed by vehicular crossings.
• In new subdivisions, footpaths should generally be constructed in concrete.
• Footpaths shall generally be located centrally in the berm – refer to Drawing DG 302.
• All footpaths shall provide for safe and convenient access for blind and visually impaired pedestrians.

Note:  The NZTA publication RTX 14 “Guidelines for Facilities that Assist Blind and Visually Impaired Pedestrians” provides full guidelines.

Chip seal footpaths will not be acceptable.

Rural residential subdivisions should make provision for pedestrian access along grass berms – refer to Table 3.1.

3.10.2    Footpath Width

All footpaths are to be 1.5 m wide.

3.10.3    Concrete Footpaths

• Minimum depth of concrete on 25 mm compacted fine granular material    100 mm

Subgrade preparation is not required to extend beyond the edges of footpath.

3.10.4    Asphalt Surfaced Footpaths

• Minimum depth asphalt     25 mm Mix 10
• Minimum depth basecourse    75 mm GAP 20
• Subgrade CBR    Minimum 7
• Timber edging and stakes are required.

Note:  The MPDC Infrastructure Code of Practice provides guidelines.

3.10.5    Paved Footpaths

• 50 mm Firth Holland    Autumn Leaves Pavers or approved equivalent
• 25 mm bedding Sanford Park

Subgrade preparation shall extend at least 100 mm beyond the edge of the pavers.

3.10.6    Pram – Wheelchair Crossings

Pram crossings shall be provided at all intersections.  Details are provided in the MPDC Infrastructure Code of Practice.

• Maximum gradient    8.33%

The lip of the crossing shall be flush with the invert of the channel.