


			Exit This Story

NEW QUEENSTOWN CYCLING WALKWAY BRIDGE

Print Page

March, 2023

A cycling walkway bridge will be built over Queenstowns busy
State Highway 6, subject to Geotech testing.
Over a cutting just west of the Shotover Bridge, the structure
green-lit by state highway agency Waka Kotahi NZ Transport
Agency will connect Jims Way, below Quail Rise, to Hardware
Lane, at the edge of the Frankton Flats.
It was first mooted by Queenstown Trails Trust CEO Mark Williams,
who sees it as an alternative to that horrendous [SH6] crossing
point opposite Bunnings.
His idea was enthusiastically endorsed by local active travel
advocacy group, The Lightfoot Initiative.
The bridge would be on the A2 route of the Whakatipu Active
Travel Network, originating from the Old Shotover River Bridge,
but also connect to an existing active travel route linking to
Shotover Country and Lake Hayes Estate.
Waka Kotahi regional relation ships director James Caygill admits
it wasnt in their initial plans.
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.
Geotech testings underway to test foundation options.
Design plans are being prepared and, once its viabilitys
confirmed, therell be further consultation with the community
and mana whenua (Mori stakeholders).
Williams sees the bridge as a valuable addition to Queenstowns
cycling network.
Weve 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 were delighted Waka Kotahi is moving ahead and
considering plans to construct what will be an important piece of
infrastructure for the area.
Lightfoot Initiatives Amanda Robinson adds: SH6 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 the community appreciates Waka
Kotahis flexibility in finding solutions that will benefit us all.
In 2021, Williams told Mountain Scene the bridges prominent
location puts it on a billboard that we are using active transport
for getting
around the place.
It would also act as a message to drivers stuck in traffic below:
Heres an alternative, try this.

Source: Mountain Scene