Let there be lights on bridge
The new pedestrian and cycle bridge across the Manawatu¯ River will now be lit up when completed, but at a cost of $1.2 million.
The He Ara Kotahi shared pathway bridge, which is under construction near Dittmer Drive, will now be lit up following a Palmerston North City Council decision to approve the lights.
The money will be reallocated from existing infrastructure projects and council will be able to make funding applications for the purchase and installation of the lights on the bridge.
It was planned to have lighting on both banks of the river between the He Ara Kotahi and Fitzherbert bridges, as well as Fitzherbert Bridge. But it was mistakenly assumed lighting for the new bridge would be covered in the cost of the new bridge.
Council voted unanimously to approve money for the extra lights, but there were questions from councillors Lew Findlay and Bruno Petrenas about the timing of the request for funds.
‘‘We’ve just a few months ago finished the 10-year plan. Now you’re coming to us asking for $1.2m in unbudgeted money,’’ Findlay said.
‘‘Did you have no idea of this before the long-term plan?’’
Council roading manager Jon Schwass said they finished the design in June and only then knew they could make it work with the lights and what it was going to cost.
The error was the assumption that lighting was included in the budget, he said.
Council has applied to the Central Energy Trust for light purchase and installation costs.
Mayor Grant Smith said they don’t want to lose this opportunity.
‘‘The challenge is where are we going to find the dollars. It’s a great opportunity for the city. If you look at all great cities in the world, they light their bridges.
‘‘It seems strange we’re going to spend $14m and not going to light the bridge. The positives here, obviously, are the visual vibrancy it will give us.’’
Smith said they didn’t want to give up on the opportunity for external funds.
‘‘Our risk is pretty low, but the upside is a fantastically lit bridge and loop.’’
There was some talk of having the lights turned off after 11pm, but then Schwass said they should look at lighting it all night.
‘‘If you do not light something then you are suggesting to people they should not be using it after dark.’’
Findlay wanted the lights for safety and said it was naive to think people won’t use it if there are no lights.
‘‘We only need to have to stop one assault of one person to make it worthwhile.’’
A 150-millimetre duct will be retrofitted down the centre of the bridge to future-proof any link to Massey University.
The bridge has high-voltage power cables that are not suitable for the type of lighting that is required.