Transport Minister Simon Bridges says he is acutely aware of congestion issues in Queenstown.
Speaking to the Otago Daily Times yesterday after turning the first sod for the new Kawarau Falls bridge, he said the Government was also committed to carrying out improvements on Frankton Rd.
While no detail was given, he said it would be difficult to widen Frankton Rd due to natural constraints.
Roadworks would be completed alongside construction of the bridge ''to ensure we are getting the most out of this new piece of infrastructure''.
The controversial $22 million State Highway 6 bridge is being built at Frankton even though the project attracted significant lobbying from local residents saying the new bridge should be about 2km further downstream.
Mr Bridges said the chosen site stacked up best.
''There are 7000 vehicles using this bridge on average per day. That is just going to keep increasing, so this is needed now ...''
Due to significant development in the region, other projects were likely on the river in future, he revealed.
Mr Bridges described the project as an ''economic enabler''.
New Zealand Transport Agency southern regional director Jim Harland agreed.
''There has been strong growth in Frankton Flats, around Queenstown International Airport, in recent years. This is forecast to continue for the next 15 years ... and this new bridge will help smooth that growth and the growing traffic volumes.''
Taare Bradshaw, chairman of Hokonui runanga, blessed the bridge site at the ceremony.
Auckland firm McConnell Dowell Constructors Ltd has been awarded the bridge contract.
The project is part of the Government's accelerated regional roading package announced last year and is expected to be finished by winter 2017.
The existing 90-year-old, one-lane bridge will become part of the Queenstown Trail cycling and walking network.
- Louise Scott
