New connector trails ready to start

The Team Reporter from The Press

Construction is about to start on an all-weather, all-tide, pedestrian and cycle trail between the Buller Bridge and the Toki Poutangata Bridge.

The project is being funded with part of the $300,000 the Buller District Council received from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Tourism Infrastructure Funding.

The new south trail will create a high-quality alternative to the existing Millenium Track from the Kawatiri Coastal Trail car park into Westport’s town precinct via the new Toki Bridge.

It will provide a safe and easy route for pedestrians and cyclists along The Esplanade and the Buller River, to complete the link to Carters Beach, Tauranga Bay and beyond.

The Buller District Council said future integration with flood protection infrastructure, including stops banks and flood walls had been considered, as well as the potential implications of increased traffic movements along The Esplanade.

Also included in the $300,000 of funding is thenorth connector from the Toki Bridge pedestrian plaza up to the Floating Basin, Kawatiri River Trails and ultimately North Beach. The route will follow established footpaths and streets through town with new line marking and signage.

“Both trails are integral to Westport’s master plan and our district revitalisation strategy to position Buller as an attractive place to live, explore and invest," council infrastructure services group manager Mike Duff said.

Construction of the connector trails will start in early August and is expected to be completed in September. The work will be carried out on weekdays during normal working hours.

More information on The Riverbank project can be found at bullerdc.govt.nz...