A strategy aiming to keep a coastal road route south of Oamaru to Waianakarua open will be presented to Waitaki district councillors next week.
Assets Group manager Neil Jorgensen said the strategy, to be presented at a meeting on July 23, included some financial limits by requiring the Waitaki District Council to consider the best possible solution with the resources available.
The solution would not be at ''any cost''.
''A specially-formed community group was established to look at coastal roads and provide feedback to council,'' Mr Jorgensen said.
While this was being done, the Draft Coastal Roads Strategy 2014 was set aside so full consideration could be given to any suggestions and recommendations made by the community group. The council also included a sum of $50,000 a year to put towards coastal protection and repairs.
The community group has since made several recommendations including that the coastal route remain a contiguous two-lane sealed road, thus ensuring rural connectivity, and that funds are set aside for the installation of rock fill to shore up vulnerable areas.
''There is clearly a desire within the community to ensure the longevity of coastal roads. A fully operational roading network has significant economic and social benefits. Upgrading the coastal route will also mean we have an alternative route to State Highway 1 ... and the need for heavy vehicles to negotiate the intersection from Waianakarua Rd on to SH1 will be kept to a minimum, thus improving general safety to all road users,'' Mr Jorgensen said.
''[The] council acknowledges that coastal erosion is not unique to the Waitaki district. It is a nationwide reality and one that must be addressed. By working with the community and NZ Transport Agency we are confident that a sustainable solution is within reach.''
