A cycle and pedestrian underpass in Clyde is not a priority for the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) as no-one has been killed while trying to cross State Highway 8, the Central Otago District Council heard this week.
The project has been on the agency's radar for at least seven years and was previously listed as a high priority.
''Funding from NZTA Highways for this is now unlikely in the foreseeable future, due to other priorities outside of Central Otago,'' a report to the council said.
Council roading manager Julie Muir said it came down to funding.
''NZTA have identified the need for this but they are probably in a more constrained funding environment than we are in with our roading programme.''
Despite not being a priority for the agency, it was for the council and there was a possibility it could fund the project, she said.
The agency could provide a 60% subsidy on a council-funded project worth up to $250,000 but to qualify, the agency would have to be convinced the underpass would not be used purely for recreation, that it was required for public safety, Ms Muir said.
''It's not about the rail trail, it's about transporting people from Clyde to where they want to go.''
In 2004 the then Alexandra Community Board bought land in Albert Dr to create the accessway but was not fully informed of best practice design for underpasses.
Mr Kingsford said it was possible to build the underpass at the point of the accessway but the cost would be close to $400,000. Councillor Stu Duncan said the cheapest option was not always the best.
Council staff and contractors were seeking a solution within the $250,000 budget.
A spot closer to Springvale Rd was being considered.
