Survey work has begun on a new road in Tinwald that will link to Ashburton’s planned second bridge off Chalmers Avenue.

The work is part of a Detailed Business Case for the second bridge; the draft business case should be finished by July and the Ashburton District Council can then negotiate funding contributions from Waka Kotahi and Government.

The business case sets out the reasons why the bridge is needed, what it will look like and how much it will cost. Waka Kotahi and Te Runanga o Arowhenua are among key partners in the planning so far, along with other key stakeholders.

Mayor Neil Brown said the second bridge was important for the resilience of the Ashburton district, as it provided a vital link if the State Highway 1 bridge was closed, as in last year’s flood event.

“That event also took out alternative routes over the Ashburton River, so effectively cut the South Island in two and was a major disruption to supply chains, like supermarkets, further south.

“We are looking forward to seeing the Detailed Business Case completed because then we can seek the funding we need and get work started as soon as we can."

The survey work that started on 14 February is part of the preliminary design work and until mid-March consultants Stantec will be surveying land along the new road alignment from Grahams Road north towards Chalmers Avenue and ending at the Dobson Street/Chalmers Avenue intersection.

The new road runs parallel with Grove Street.

Surveyors will be identifying topographical features as well as locating utilities and services.

Owners of properties along the alignment route have been contacted where surveyors will need access to record ground levels and features, including driveway elevations, fence and hedge locations, and utility connections.

Survey staff are able to carry out their work without requiring physical contact with property owners.

Mayor Brown said Council had been purchasing sections since the land designation hearing in 2015 and the proposed new road was shown on the District Plan.

“The second bridge will provide an alternative connection between Ashburton and Tinwald, improve road safety for all those living in the east side of Tinwald, and provide resilience to the South Island. People will have another way to cross the river, be it in a car, cycling, or on foot."

Waka Kotahi is still progressing traffic lights at the intersection of Agnes Street and Archibald Street/SH1, in Tinwald. This will ensure controlled access onto the busy highway and create breaks in the traffic for those on side streets.

For more information about the Second Ashburton Urban Bridge DBC or to sign up for updates, visit www.ashburtondc.govt.nz/ashburton-district/projects/ashburton-second-urban-bridge.