Dunedin Peninsula Connection Work to Start

Construction of the next section of the Peninsula Connection between Broad Bay and Portobello will start next month.

Dunedin City Council Group Manager Transport Richard Saunders says, “We’ve had a lot of interest from the Peninsula community and Dunedin residents in this project and we’re very pleased to be getting started on the next phase.”

The safety improvement project includes road widening and the construction of a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists. In some areas the road will be raised to protect it from inundation during high tides. Repairs to the slip next to the Turnbulls Bay wall will also be completed in this phase of work.

“We had planned to start at the city end of the route, but the need to repair the slip means it makes more sense and will be more efficient to start with this section.”

Chair of the Council’s Infrastructure Services and Networks Committee Cr Kate Wilson says, “This project will be a great asset for our community and visitors, and I’m thrilled to see it progressing.”

Just over 2km of new seawall will be built in this section of the project, requiring 50,000m3 of fill, or approximately 3000 truck and trailer loads.

Construction is expected to start in April and take approximately one year. Traffic management will be in place during construction, with the road down to one lane in places.

The contract for the Broad Bay to Portobello section has been awarded to Fulton Hogan and the cost will be approximately $12.5 million. The DCC’s portion of the funding is approximately $5.5 million, with the NZ Transport Agency funding the balance. The cost of the Turnbull Bay slip repairs is still to be confirmed.

Regional Manager of Fulton Hogan Grant Sime says he is thrilled by the opportunity to be involved in this key road safety project for the city.

“We anticipate a close working relationship with DCC and the Peninsula community to successfully deliver the safety improvement project.”

Details of construction and costs for the next sections are being worked through.

“We’re working through options for the remaining sections and will keep the community informed as we firm up the construction programme,” says Mr Saunders.

ENDS

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