Plans for a new bridge at Beaumont on State Highway 8 between Dunedin and Central Otago will focus in the first instance on aligning the new bridge to the existing historic one-lane bridge and road route following consultation with the community.
Under those plans the new two-lane bridge over the Clutha River will be built just to the south of the existing bridge.
The New Zealand Transport Agency announced today its decision to develop that option, of two presented to the community, "in that first instance" after consultation.
The other option took a more direct route, but would have meant the highway ran behind the Beaumont Hotel, a community hub for the tiny rural township.
NZTA staff held an open information day recently, which was attended by a "small but focused group" of about 20 locals and councillors from the Clutha District and Otago Regional Councils.
“Although views across the two options have been mixed, from the engagement undertaken to date there is a clear community preference emerging for Option A - where the highway would continue to pass in front of the hotel,” NZTA projects team manager Simon Underwood said.
Completion of a "detailed business case" for the bridge was likely to take until March or April next year and would involve discussions with Clutha District Council staff, as well as geotechnical, environmental, structural, and highway safety considerations.
"Until this is complete, no one option is off the table," Mr Underwood said.
"But the Transport Agency acknowledges the community’s preference for Option A, and in progressing with the business case we will be seeking to develop that option in the first instance."
- Staff reporter
