Beams will be placed this weekend on one of two bridges on the new Maia to St Leonard's section of the State highway (SH88) walking and cycling path.
On Sunday 22nd April a crane will be used to lower pre-cast concrete bridge deck units over one of two outlets draining the Otago harbourside lagoons. Construction on this NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Project started in February and is being carried out by Delta Utility Services.
NZTA Acting State Highway Manager for Otago and Southland, Ian Duncan said KiwiRail has replaced the wooden bridges carrying the main trunk line over the harbour in this area with concrete structures designed to carry a shared path. KiwiRail have been very supportive of the project, which is on their land, in recognition of the considerable benefits of providing a safe path away from SH88.
“Part of the construction work involves landscaping, which includes a stopping area and seat located about half between Maia and St Leonard’s, where people will be able to enjoy the outstanding harbour views.
Mr Duncan said the path, which is expected to open in July 2012, will offer a continuous 4.5 km route for walking and cycling commuters between Dunedin and St Leonard’s. Additional sections of the path from St Leonard’s to Port Chalmers have been included for consideration for construction funding in the draft 2012/15 Otago Regional Land Transport Programme, currently being consulted on.
