13 March 2019

Community update Tuesday, 19 March on the Clutha River’s Beaumont Bridge replacement

The Beaumont community, inland Otago, has an opportunity next week to get the latest news on a new two-lane bridge over the Clutha River, State Highway 8, near the township.

“This new structure will replace a single-lane bridge built 135 years ago that’s now nearing the end of its economic life,” says NZ Transport Agency Project Manager Simon Underwood.

The local community has already provided feedback on the preferred alignment for the new bridge and this played a major role in finalising the alignment of the new bridge, immediately downstream of the existing bridge. “This alignment allows State Highway 8 to continue past the front of the Beaumont Hotel – something strongly favoured by the local community.”

The existing single lane bridge will remain and provide pedestrian and cycle access across the Clutha River to the Clutha Gold Cycle Trail.

Mr Underwood says about nine months ago work began on developing the detailed design for the new two-lane bridge. “We are now at a stage where we can take these designs to the local community and get their feedback, to further shape and refine these,” he says.

“We encourage as many local people as possible to attend a community drop-in session between 3pm and 7pm on Tuesday, 19 March in the Beaumont Community Hall, East Ferry Street,” says Mr Underwood.

“This is an opportunity to see first-hand the detailed bridge designs, ask any questions and for residents to let us know what they think of them.

“The drop-in session is also somewhere for people to meet and chat with the project team and raise any general queries about the new two-lane bridge. Those unable to make this session, can view the detailed designs for the new bridge and provide feedback via the project website:www.nzta.govt.nz/beaumont-bridge”

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey this summer and autumn. Keep up to date with:

• Traffic updates: nzta.govt.nz/traffic

• Facebook: facebook.com/NZTAsouthisland

• Twitter Otago/Southland: twitter.com/NZTAOS

• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz

• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

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