Two options for a new bridge across the Clutha River at Beaumont were presented to the local community in a letter drop last month. Yesterday, NZTA projects team manager Simon Underwood discussed the options for a new bridge with members of the public in a four-hour session at the Beaumont Community Hall attended by 22 people.
The road and existing 130-year-old one-lane bridge are the main transport corridor for light and heavy traffic taking State Highway 8 from Dunedin to the Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes districts.
There are two proposals put forward for a new bridge, each identifying a broad "corridor" in or around the township.
One of the proposals would take a direct line south of the Beaumont Hotel and the other would curve closer to the existing bridge to retain the highway in front of the hotel.
Both proposals would place a new bridge downstream of the existing structure and would require a realignment of the existing State Highway 8.
There were several alignment options within each of the proposed design corridors.Beaumont Hotel owner Alison Mills attended the information session to discuss the options with Mr Underwood.
She said a new bridge was needed as the present one was not fit for purpose.
It was wooden and not strong enough to carry the heavy traffic which used it regularly.
Ms Mills preferred "Option A", which would keep the state highway travelling in front of the hotel. However, she said it was not just about the impact on her business.
"We provide a service to those passing through and the cycling trail."
She said Option B would cut through several properties.
Doing so would ruin the community, she said.
She had set up a feedback form at her business for people to indicate which option they supported.
About 115 people had signed it so far, with a strong majority in favour of Option A.
West Otago Transport owner Bruce Robertson also attended the meeting.
He said either of the options presented was a step in the right direction.
"It’s going to be an advantage to everyone."
A new bridge would improve efficiency as traffic has always been delayed at the bridge.
He said Option A would "probably" be the better of the two.
Mr Underwood said NZTA had not heard from everyone yet so did not want to comment on which option had more support.
The project was at an early stage and Opus had been contracted to write a detailed business case in an initial "optioneering stage".
Information provided by the community would be used to identify a preferred option and a decision was expected by April next year.
