Bridge future sealed

Each main political events have now dedicated to constructing a second Ashburton bridge – however a long-time advocate for the undertaking nonetheless isn’t satisfied one of the best location can be chosen.

Former two-term councillor Dianne Rawlinson says Nationwide and Labour have each been cautious with their wording when committing to a second Ashburton/Hakatere river bridge.

Labour introduced on Thursday that the second bridge is certainly one of 14 key strategic tasks in its authorities coverage assertion for land transport (GPS), which Waka Kotahi will take into account because it develops its subsequent 10-year Nationwide Land Transport Plan.

Labour has promised to completely fund the undertaking.

Rawlinson is weary of the political commitments to construct a bridge and “being nonspecific about the place”.

“I’ve the sturdy feeling they may take probably the most financially sensible choice somewhat than the best choice.

“And it doesn’t matter what choice, I nonetheless foresee a difficulty with the prevailing bridge within the not-too-distant future.”

Rawlinson has lengthy supported a second SH1 bridge choice, and was a serious objector to the Chalmers Ave choice.

She has conceded that if the federal government is paying for it, she doesn’t care the place it goes if it means it is going to lastly get constructed.

“I nonetheless don’t personally consider [Chalmers Ave] is the best choice but when the funding is made accessible I wouldn’t argue with it.”

Confusion briefly reigned following the announcement on Thursday, which listed the undertaking because the Ashburton SH1 bridge and said bettering hyperlinks throughout the river solely “might” embody a second bridge.

Rangitata MP Jo Luxton cleared it up, confirming the Authorities was dedicated to completely funding a second bridge and that will probably be the Chalmers Avenue choice, if that’s what Waka Kotahi decides.

“State Freeway 1 is the South Island’s major freight route. Making certain the resilience of this route is a no brainer.

“A brand new second river crossing would offer improved entry.”

Work might begin in 2024/25 for pre-implementation and property buy for a second bridge, Luxton mentioned.

Building might then begin in 2026/27, taking two years to finish.”

On the opposite aspect of the aisle, Nationwide has additionally pledged to construct Ashburton’s second bridge in its first time period.

“Closing choices on the bridge’s location and design can be decided by council and NZTA, however we are going to fund it, and we are going to construct it,” Nationwide’s Rangitata candidate James Meager mentioned.

Meager welcomed the cross-party assist, which meant the neighborhood had certainty that it’s going to get a second bridge.

So far as Mayor Neil Brown is anxious, Chalmers Ave is the one choice.

“They’re calling it a SH1 undertaking however will probably be constructed down Chalmers Ave. That’s the place the enterprise case says and Waka Kotahi supported the enterprise case and that website.”

The massive query was at all times the way it was going to be paid for.

It now has a solution.

The funding hole is stuffed, which was an enormous win for the district, Brown mentioned.

“It’s large for us however in all probability not large for New Zealand when it’s a $20 billion transport plan and our $100 million is a drop within the bucket.”

With the Labour and Nationwide now each confirming they may absolutely fund the bridge, the query is now “when can they begin”.

“All of the work we’ve achieved on the enterprise case to date and the land council has acquired implies that building can begin as quickly as subsequent 12 months.”

Waka Kotahi will lead the undertaking, beginning with detailed design and tendering and building beginning 2026/27.

It means Ashburton ought to have its second bridge constructed earlier than 2030.

Session will shut on September 15 and the Ministry of Transport will use the suggestions to offer recommendation to the Minister of Transport on the ultimate GPS, which can come into impact on July 1, 2024.

By Jonathan Leask