An overview of an underpass . . .

The SH84 to Three Parks underpass at the entrance to Wanaka is starting to take shape with a 100-tonne Central Machine Hire crane placing the first two of 10 giant concrete boxes in position yesterday.

Three Parks developer Allan Dippie said once the concrete culverts were in place there would be work to complete on each side of the wing walls before the highway could be reinstated over the underpass.

When finished, the NZTA underpass project would connect with existing walking and cycling trails and the new Mt Iron car park.

The highway was expected to reopen before Christmas, Mr Dippie said.