Media Release

New Milford Bridge proposal goes before committee

8 May, 2008

North Shore City’s Community Services and Parks committee has considered a report on the proposed Milford Pedestrian Bridge and requested more information before making a decision on the project.

The bridge would allow pedestrians a quicker route to Milford Reserve via Wairau Creek. The initial proposal is for a “bascule” bridge that would open for certain periods so that boats moving between the adjacent marina and the sea can pass underneath. The City Plan has set aside a budget of $2 million for construction.

A technical feasibility study has been carried out and there is ongoing consultation with the community and stakeholders including the Milford Mariners and Castor Bay Ratepayers groups, and the ARC. Further stakeholder workshops are being held this month.

No decision has yet been made on a final structure for the bridge and a number of issues are yet to be resolved. Resource consent issues are also still being examined.

Committee Chair Councillor Tony Holman says it is early days yet and there are many feasibility issues to be worked through, such as how long the bridge would need to be open each day for boats to pass under it.

“The committee is waiting to get the results of the stakeholder consultation and we have requested more information on technical matters, as well as the level of likely pedestrian usage. This is quite a complex proposal and we need to have all the facts on the table before making a final decision.”

ENDS

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