The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is holding a community open day on Saturday (10 December) to provide information on the proposed new two-lane bridge on SH6 at Kawarau Falls near Queenstown.
The open day will give the local community an opportunity to provide feedback on the NZTA’s preferred composite steel and concrete design.
Earlier this year the NZTA awarded the design contract for the new Kawarau Falls Bridge to New Zealand consultants, Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM).
NZTA Southern Regional Director Jim Harland says in reaching a preferred design the agency took into account views from two recent workshops with key local stakeholders as well as preliminary design work. Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has been closely involved in the design process reflecting the bridge’s importance as the southern gateway to Queenstown.
“The composite steel and concrete design allows a slim bridge superstructure which is more in keeping with the form of the existing steel bridge it will be built alongside. The new bridge will improve travel times and provide a more secure link on SH6 south of Queenstown. The alternative access to the Wakatipu basin from the south involves a 180km detour.
Mr Harland said while there has already been extensive public consultation around this project over the last 10 years, Saturday’s open day is an opportunity to provide the community more information on the design process, and for people to provide their feedback on the preferred design.
The bridge is scheduled for construction post 2016.
Saturday’s open day will be held at St Margaret’s Church Hall in Frankton between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
