Bypass now only weeks away

A major milestone in the project to help protect New Zealand's oldest buildings from flooding will be reached in June when the Kerikeri Heritage Bypass is opened to public traffic.

This will complete the first stage of a $17 million project to provide a new 1.6 kilometre direct road link across the Kerikeri River and take through traffic away from the internationally recognized heritage and conservation precincts in the Kerikeri Basin.

The Kerikeri Basin historic precinct contained buildings with the highest possible Historic Places Trust classification and had recently been included on New Zealand's tentative list of World Heritage sites. In addition to flood mitigation and the protection of historic buildings, the project will create a new "user-friendly" environment for the local community and visitors alike.

The new road and a new 81-metre road bridge will provide a direct link between north and south Kerikeri, dramatically improving the flow of traffic between the town and the burgeoning residential settlements along Waipapa Road and the Purerua Peninsula, with the expanding Waipapa commercial area and with new sports amenities being developed north of the river.

The project has also provided for the Far North's first dedicated walkway/cycle facility, with links to walking tracks along the Kerikeri River

The project is a Far North District Council and central government initiative, providing opportunities to develop unique partnerships with Land Transport NZ and government agencies including the NZ Historic Places Trust and Department of Conservation. It has been funded jointly by LTNZ and the Ministry for Culture & Heritage.

The opening of the new road to traffic paves the way for the next phases of the project which include the construction of a new pedestrian bridge in the Stone Store Basin upstream from the historic Kemp House and Stone Store buildings, the construction of vehicle turning areas on Kerikeri Road both north and south of the existing bridge, improvements to parking facilities, and the demolition of the existing Stone Store bridge, Far North District Council General Manager for Roads & Stormwater Richard Green says.

The location already attracts over 30,000 visitors a year, and is widely used by the local community as a venue for family picnics and recreational activities. By maintaining vehicle access but removing through traffic, the project is expected to enhance the area as a natural haven for those seeking to relax and enjoy the environment in greater safety, he says.

"The project has been particularly challenging as we have to find the best solution to reduce the risk from flooding and provide safe access into the Basin while protecting the visual beauty, heritage and the business interests developed to support the local, national and international visitors attracted to the area," he says.

The council intends to create an adventure ford to provide limited pedestrian access across the river when river flows are low.

A comprehensive public information campaign will be launched in May to acquaint the traveling public, local residents, businesses, school and tour bus operators and emergency services of the changes and the anticipated traffic change-over date.

Construction of the bypass started in November 2006 and the final stages are programmed for completion by October 2008.