DATE: |
21
April 2008 |
TITLE: |
Bypass Now
Only Weeks Away |
A major milestone
in the project to help protect New Zealand's oldest buildings from flooding
will be reached in June when the Kerikeri Heritage Bypass is opened
to public traffic.
This will complete the first stage of a $17 million project to provide
a new 1.6 kilometre direct road link across the Kerikeri River and take
through traffic away from the internationally recognized heritage and
conservation precincts in the Kerikeri Basin.
The Kerikeri Basin historic precinct contained buildings with the highest
possible Historic Places Trust classification and had recently been
included on New Zealand's tentative list of World Heritage sites. In
addition to flood mitigation and the protection of historic buildings,
the project will create a new "user-friendly" environment
for the local community and visitors alike.
The new road and a new 81-metre road bridge will provide a direct link
between north and south Kerikeri, dramatically improving the flow of
traffic between the town and the burgeoning residential settlements
along Waipapa Road and the Purerua Peninsula, with the expanding Waipapa
commercial area and with new sports amenities being developed north
of the river.
The project has also provided for the Far North's first dedicated walkway/cycle
facility, with links to walking tracks along the Kerikeri River
The project is a Far North District Council and central government initiative,
providing opportunities to develop unique partnerships with Land Transport
NZ and government agencies including the NZ Historic Places Trust and
Department of Conservation. It has been funded jointly by LTNZ and the
Ministry for Culture & Heritage.
The opening of the new road to traffic paves the way for the next phases
of the project which include the construction of a new pedestrian bridge
in the Stone Store Basin upstream from the historic Kemp House and Stone
Store buildings, the construction of vehicle turning areas on Kerikeri
Road both north and south of the existing bridge, improvements to parking
facilities, and the demolition of the existing Stone Store bridge, Far
North District Council General Manager for Roads & Stormwater Richard
Green says.
The location already attracts over 30,000 visitors a year, and is widely
used by the local community as a venue for family picnics and recreational
activities. By maintaining vehicle access but removing through traffic,
the project is expected to enhance the area as a natural haven for those
seeking to relax and enjoy the environment in greater safety, he says.
"The project has been particularly challenging as we have to find
the best solution to reduce the risk from flooding and provide safe
access into the Basin while protecting the visual beauty, heritage and
the business interests developed to support the local, national and
international visitors attracted to the area," he says.
The council intends to create an adventure ford to provide limited pedestrian
access across the river when river flows are low.
A comprehensive public information campaign will be launched in May
to acquaint the traveling public, local residents, businesses, school
and tour bus operators and emergency services of the changes and the
anticipated traffic change-over date.
Construction of the bypass started in November 2006 and the final stages
are programmed for completion by October 2008.
For further information please
contact:-
Rick McCall
Communications Officer
Far North District Council
0800 920 029
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Page created/updated: 21 April, 2008
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