DATE: |
29
May 2008 |
TITLE: |
Date Set
For Heritage Bypass Opening To Traffic |
The biggest and most
significant roading project in the Far North District Council's history,
the Kerikeri Heritage Bypass, will open to traffic this month.
Traffic should begin using the 1.6 kilometre new route bypassing the
Stone Store basin from 1 a.m. on Monday 23rd June 2008 and the existing
river crossing at the Stone Store will close to through traffic at the
same time.
Although the bypass route is opening to traffic, it will not mean an
end to the construction programme.
Contractors will move next to the Stone Store Basin to build a new pedestrian
bridge about 70 metres upstream from the existing bridge and to create
permanent cul-de-sacs for turning traffic on both Landing and Kerikeri
Roads. There is also a planting programme to complete on the new bypass
route involving a further 40,000 trees and shrubs.
Roads & Stormwater General Manager Richard Green warns the target
date is still tentative however.
"We have set our sights on having the bypass ready for traffic
on this date. But the one aspect we can't control is the weather. If
we strike really bad weather between now and 23rd June the opening to
traffic may have to be postponed," he says.
The $17 million project has been designed to take vehicular through
traffic away from one of New Zealand's most significant heritage precincts
and to create a more convenient and less flood-prone link between the
Kerikeri central business district and the residential settlements north
of the Kerikeri River.
The change-over in the early hours of the morning coincides with the
period at which traffic volumes are traditionally very light. Road signs
to guide traffic after the bypass has been opened are currently being
installed.
Temporary vehicle turn-around areas will be installed on each side of
the river at the Stone Store. As soon as the bypass has been opened,
work will start on demolishing the existing 50-year-old single lane
bridge in the Kerikeri Basin.
Roads into the Kerikeri Basin will remain open throughout the works
to provide normal access to the Kerikeri Mission House and Stone Store,
for residents in the area, as well as businesses including the restaurant
and accommodation providers. Parking will be available on both sides
of the river.
A publicity campaign has been initiated to advise the community of the
changes in traffic management when the new bypass becomes operational
on 23rd June. Fliers are to be distributed to all residents in the Stone
Store Basin and in the Riverview and Skudders Beach areas and letters
have been sent to affected schools and to transport operators. Updated
information on the bypass project has been posted to the council's website
at http://www.fndc.govt.nz/roading/ikerikeri_heritage_bypass.asp
There will be alternate pedestrian routes available to cross the Kerikeri
River while the construction of a new pedestrian bridge is taking place.
These include a dedicated walk and cycle-way on the new bypass and existing
walking tracks along the north side of the river which link to the bypass
bridge.
An official opening for the Heritage Bypass project will be scheduled
for later this year. Prime Minister Rt Hon Helen Clark has been invited
to officiate and arrangements are being made for a gala celebration
to coincide with the official opening
For further information please
contact:-
Rick McCall
Communications Officer
PH 0800 920 029 |
|
Page created/updated: 30 May, 2008
|
|
|
