Summer roading projects set to continue

In addition to the Crown Range Road upgrade set to get underway this week, two other significant projects are scheduled next month for the Queenstown Central Business District, Queenstown Lakes District Council project manager Steve Hewland said.

The $1 million dollar upgrade of Gorge Road was scheduled to begin on 7 February, 2011.
“The road will be upgraded from Shotover Street to Industrial Place using a technique called ‘foamed bitumen stabilisation’. This technique is a much faster road rebuilding process than the more traditional overlays of gravel,” Mr Hewland said.

Improvements included: pedestrian ‘refuge’ islands; a new bus stop; additional turning lanes; improved intersections and northern entry landscaping.
Throughout the works Gorge Road would remain open although some minor delays could be encountered. The upgrade would be completed in April.

Meanwhile the $900,000 Lake Esplanade upgrade, which was halted for the busy summer season, would also resume after Waitangi weekend.

The project included: resurfacing; new kerb and channel; new and improved stormwater drainage; improved safety for cyclists; a street lighting upgrade; a new pedestrian crossing and improved pedestrian access to the St Omar reserve; an upgrade of steps to the beach front and improved waste management including recycling bins.

The Lake Esplanade upgrade was also scheduled for completion in April.