Footbridge tenders called

Tenders have been called for the construction of a footbridge over the Kerikeri River in the Stone Store Basin.

The new bridge will aid the movement of pedestrian traffic through the Kerikeri heritage precinct. Tenders for the 65-metre single span steel bridge will close on 24 February.

General Manager for Roads & Stormwater Richard Green said today the footbridge was the final major phase in the Kerikeri Heritage Bypass project. The tender would include the provision of access tracks on both sides of the river and safety lighting.

"The bridge will be built to the specifications in the working drawings, but we have left discretionary areas open to provide some flexibility to allow for cost-saving innovations," he said.

The single span steel structure was the "preferred option" after discussions with strategic partners.

The original design for a single span concrete footbridge was discarded when the expected cost came close to $3 million, well in excess of available funding. The construction industry was invited to suggest alternate materials and designs to bring the project back within budget.

Mr Green said a range of options had been proposed including steel, wood and fibreglass structures. Suspension, single span and single pier options were among the proposals to come forward.

"After discussions with our strategic partners, agreement was reached on the single span steel option which should give a saving of around $2 million on the anticipated cost of the original design," he said.

Mr Green said the council hopes construction can start before the end of March or early April.

"We are very much aware of the need to move forward as quickly as possible," he said.