Bridge build to miss deadline
A $1.65m project to build a signature pedestrian overbridge in Te Ku¯ iti is likely to miss its self-imposed June construction deadline.
Waitomo District Council said it needs extra time to consult more widely with its community, over its preferred concept and design option for the bridge.
The council is also unsure about a suggested name for the bridge, Te Ara Tika, which means ‘‘the pathway of our history’’.
The council wants the bridge to showcase local history and be the catalyst for further development of the Te Ku¯ iti town centre.
It will eventually replace the current footbridge, built in 1988 above a major rail corridor, connecting the east and west sides of the rural King Country town.
The council met this month to review an update on the project written by its special projects coordinator Greg Boyle.
The project is 73 per cent funded by the Transport Agency with the council picking up the rest of the bill.
The council’s chief executive, 2020-21 financial year,’’ Ryan said.
Councillors also needed to be mindful, he said, that the NZTA contribution for the bridge was assigned for a three-year funding period, from 2018-21.
It was unclear if the funding could be moved into a new threeyear funding programme.
Speaking after the meeting, Ryan said council had identified a preferred option from three designs. It’s that preferred option which will be consulted on further with the community.
It had incorporated feedback from the district’s youth council, Legendary Te Ku¯ iti, a volunteer community group, business groups as well as iwi and hapu.
Ryan said the council decided it was in the best interest of the project to give the wider community a look at the options too.
‘‘I think it’s wise and useful to make sure the community can contribute their ideas and suggestions to make the whole project successful.
‘‘But we are introducing a new step in the project plan and that has consequences,’’ Ryan said.
Work on a bridge replacement began in 2013.
The draft concept includes seven resting spots with signage and QR codes telling the story of the district.
Space around the area includes a basketball half-court, shading, seating and green space.
At the moment, at least 200 people a day use the bridge with more on weekends and evenings.
The new bridge is expected to attract more use, including from visitors to the town.
Waitomo Mayor John Robertson said feedback so far complemented the functional role of the bridge by introducing local history, culture and heritage.
‘‘When complete it will be far more functional than the existing bridge plus it will make a real statement about Te Ku¯ iti and the wider district.’’
Further engagement will now be undertaken on the council’s preferred option, design elements and its name.