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Matakana Coast Trail Trust chair Allison Roe (left) and Cr Penny Webster at the bridge blessing.
The cost of building a bikeway/cycleway over the Matakana River has risen to just over $850,000 – almost double the figure that was being touted just a month ago.
Auckland Transport (AT) says the scope of works has grown to include a new three-metre wide shared path, lighting and upgrades near the Leigh Road/ Matakana Road roundabout. In addition, Vector will put the overhead powerlines underground for a cost of $68,000.
The work will be undertaken by Wellsford-based contractors Wharehine and involves installing a 52-metre timber bridge, cantilevered off the existing road bridge. The bridge is being built off-site.
The delays in making a start on the project were acknowledged at a blessing on Friday May 6.
AT roading development north manager Steve Burris said the project was unique in the fact that it was being community-driven.
“But there have been challenges in getting to this point,” he said. “We are pleased to see the work start.”
Matakana Coast Trail Trust chair Allison Roe said the project demonstrated that, “it takes more than a village to build a bridge”.
“This is truly a public/private partnership, with the community, AT and the Rodney Local Board all involved,” she said.
The Board is contributing $150,000 to the project, with the balance being met by AT.
The new bridge, which is expected to open in August, will be a key feature of the Matakana Coast Trail, a recreation and adventure trail which is being planned from Puhoi to Mangawhai.
The bridge project was blessed by Ngati Manuhiri kaumatua Ringi Brown.
