Upcoming investigation work:

The Bridge To Better Project team has been looking at the best way to do investigation work which will allow us to understand the infrastructure and the environment under Bridge Street and the surrounding area. Investigation work like this is an essential part of making sure we can be as efficient as possible when it comes to construction time.

There are two parts to this investigation work. Lid lifts and test pits/trenches.

Lid lifts are where contractors simply lift manholes and record information about the pipes underneath. This is non-invasive and will result in minimal disruption. The majority of this work will occur outside of business hours (5:30 pm to 10 pm), though there will be some work during the day.

Manholes on Bridge St, Collingwood St, Halifax St, Haven Rd and Rutherford St will all be inspected over the week, starting Monday 27 May 2024.

Test pits and trenches are more invasive work, where we physically dig into the street and footpath. We are expecting to do this work in July 2024. There are events in June (Ngā Kapa Haka Kura Tuarua – National Kapa Haka Secondary Schools competition and Matariki Festival) that will see a significant influx of people into the City Centre. We will not be doing work until these events have passed. More information on the timing of this work will be provided in June.

Enhanced Concept Design:

As previously mentioned the enhanced concept design is almost complete. We will make this available to iwi, Bridge Street businesses and property owners when it is ready to be shared.

Off-set parking:

As part of Council’s Long Term Plan deliberations, budget was approved for the construction of a car park at Rutherford Park (subject to resource consent and approvals). With up to 80 parks, this area will help to offset car parks that have been reallocated as part of the Bridge to Better project. It will also provide better overflow parking for events at the Trafalgar Centre, and be a location for commuter parking.