Next steps for Peninsula project
Next steps for Peninsula project
Dunedin (Wednesday, 21 September 2016) – The construction of safety improvements along the Otago Peninsula has reached another milestone with the awarding of the design contract to GHD.
The aim of the project is to make it easier and safer to travel along one of the city’s most popular destinations by widening the road and building a cycleway and pedestrian path along Portobello Road and Harington Point Road from Vauxhall to Taiaroa Head.
Acting Group Manager Transport Richard Saunders says, “This is a key transport project for the DCC, which has widespread community backing, and we’re pleased to be moving ahead with it.”
In response to strong public support, it was decided to speed up work to complete the project.
Mr Saunders says, “We are grateful for the support of the NZ Transport Agency, which has enabled this delivery of this project to be accelerated.”
The Transport Agency is partnering with the Dunedin City Council on this safety project, funding 55% of its cost. Transport Agency Southern Regional Director Jim Harland says it is great to see another part of the harbour route advancing and becoming safer for everyone using the roads and shared path.
The design contract has been awarded to GHD New Zealand, a leading professional services company specialising in water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings and transportation. The company recently opened an office in Dunedin.
Consultant Team Leader Andrew Watt says, “We chose to open in the city in response to major infrastructure redevelopment in the region and to help us better serve our clients here and in the wider region.”
Activity on the site will continue over coming months as GHD begins the design process. Construction work is scheduled to begin in the middle of 2017.
Throughout the design and construction phase, residents and stakeholders will be given opportunities to engage in the process. Regular updates will be provided on the DCC website, through local newsletters and at public open days.
The project is forecast to cost $20 million.