Work at bus hub could affect stops

Bus hub stops could be affected in coming weeks as workers reinstall an underground duct at the Dunedin site.

Contractors plan to dig up areas near a transformer in Great King St for work related to electrical cables.

It is scheduled to start late this month.

Otago Regional Council transport manager Gerard Collings said the duct housing the cables was not installed to correct specifications during the construction of the hub.

Short-term reallocation of bus stops within the hub would be notified closer to the time.

''These would only be in effect during the weekends while the work is taking place, and the bus hub will remain operational at all times.''

The council did not expect any additional cost as a result of the work.

It was working with Fulton Hogan, Delta, and Aurora Energy and the work was expected to be completed some time next month.

It would probably affect only one or two stops.

The work has delayed the installation of a coffee kiosk at the site, which will be placed next to the transformer.

The structure, which will also serve food, will replace the coffee cart there.

Meanwhile, footpath blockage problems at a new bus stop where regional buses deliver and take on passengers and their luggage are to be investigated.

Mr Collings said there were no plans to build a shelter to protect those passengers from inclement weather.

The recently introduced bus stop K, around the corner from the main bus hub, but part of it, is used by companies Intercity and Atomic, and by airport shuttles.

Asked about the footpath being blocked, he said it was a concern, ''and we expect passengers to be considerate of other footpath users needing to get by''.

''We have no immediate plans for a shelter at this stop, but will work with bus operators to investigate what can practicably be done to try and keep the footpath accessible.''

The stop was one of a number of stops for inter-regional services.

-Additionally reported by David Loughrey