Delay in bridge opening
THE opening of a cycle and pedestrian bridge spanning the Water of Leith has been delayed until next month.
The structure, spanning the river between the railway and the harbour, is nearing completion.
Project manager Walter Reikes, of Edifice construction, said the bridge itself would likely be finished in the next couple of weeks, but all landscaping and other work would take until midDecember.
‘‘There have been a few holdups. The main issue was getting the cables from Germany. That held us up a couple of weeks. Other than that we’re getting it done pretty quick.’’
The price was still sitting at the $1.4 million mark, although it could rise slightly.
‘‘It’s been going pretty smoothly. There was nothing unforeseen in the grounds.’’
Council transport group manager Richard Saunders said there would be an event to open the bridge, but details were still being finalised.
The bridge will connect the State Highway 88 shared path to cycleways around the inner harbour and into the central city.
The cablestay bridge will feature a 20mhigh steel mast and timber decking.
Landscaping around it will include cabbage and ngaio trees as well as silver tussock and flaxes.
The NZ Transport Agency is providing 66% of the funding.