Richmond crossings get nod over underpass

Tasman District councillors have agreed to the construction of two raised pedestrian and cycle crossings at a busy Richmond intersection, putting a planned underpass on the back burner.

Likely to be built in the summer of 2020-21, the two ‘‘at grade’’ crossings are earmarked for Champion Rd and Salisbury Rd, near their intersection, which is adjacent to the site of a planned new Countdown supermarket. An associated upgrade of the intersection itself paves the way for the supermarket development.

A pedestrian and cycle underpass below Champion Rd was the preferred option, but a lack of anticipated funding from the NZ Transport Agency put the brakes on that proposal. If the council pushed on with the underpass alone, it would have needed to find another $1.7 million.

The crossings, rather than an underpass, was the recommended option of a business case, meaning the NZTA would not fund an underpass.

Council activity planning manager Dwayne Fletcher told councillors the crossings would be a ‘‘big step up’’ for the intersection.

‘‘This package represents a win-win for all the users of that intersection and enables the supermarket to progress,’’ Fletcher said.

Councillors also agreed to the installation of a bridge instead of a ford across Borck Creek, joining The Fields and The Meadows developments under construction in Richmond West.

They also agreed to increase the budgets of the Brightwater town centre upgrade, from $2.1m to $2.5m, and the Pohara Valley Rd wastewater pumping station, from $1m to $1.2m.