Plans to investigate a new bridge over State Highway 6 at the entrance to Queenstown have been given the green light by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
If feasible, the pedestrian and cycling bridge would form part of the Whakatipu Active Travel Network which provides integrated trails around Queenstown.
It would be added to the A2 route which starts at the Old Shotover River / Kimiākau Bridge, would continue via Jim’s Way and connect to Hardware Lane and on to Frankton.
While a bridge was not included in initial plans Waka Kotahi Director of Regional Relationships, James Caygill says a scope change has been approved.
“When we listened to the community about what improvements they wanted to see in this area there was a strong preference for a bridge over the busy road. We took this feedback on board and have approval to investigate a new bridge including funding for design and construction.”
Geotechnical testing will now be undertaken to test foundation options.
Geotechnical testing this week on foundation options for a proposed bridge linking Jim’s Way and Hardware Lane:
Design plans are being prepared and further community and Mana Whenua engagement will follow once investigations are sufficiently complete to confirm the viability of the bridge option, he adds.
Queenstown Trails CEO Mark Williams says the proposed bridge across State Highway 6 would be a valuable addition to Queenstown’s extensive cycling network.
“We’ve long advocated for a safe way for our community, especially students cycling to school, to cross the busy state highway that intersects our trails. And we’re delighted Waka Kotahi is moving ahead and considering plans to construct what will be an important piece of infrastructure for the area.”
Amanda Robinson, of Queenstown’s Lightfoot Initiative shared his views.
“State Highway 6 sits at the heart of the Active Travel network and the proposed bridge will create the connection we need to keep our community moving safely. This is a great example of what can happen when community organisations work in partnership to advocate for change. I feel confident in saying that the community appreciates Waka Kotahi's flexibility in finding solutions that will benefit us all.”
The new section would also connect to an existing Active Travel route linking to Shotover Country and Lake Hayes Estate.
The A2 route is just one of a number of projects underway in the district in partnership with Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC). More detail can be found on their website.
Whakatipu Active Travel Network(external link)
At a glance:
Whakatipu Active Travel is an integrated network of trails for walking and cycling that connects to public transport, providing a genuine alternative to getting around by car.
It is designed to connect key destinations such as Arrowtown, Arthur's Point, Kelvin Heights, Jacks Point, Lake Hayes Estate and Shotover Country, Fernhill, Frankton and Queenstown.
A programme of work to deliver new walking and cycling facilities, as outlined in the completed business case, has been approved by QLDC Council and joint funding for the first package of the new network has been approved by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
