Revised route for Taieri trail offers cheaper option
SOURCE: ODT
A substantially revised route for a cycle trail between Mosgiel and Outram could be hundreds of thousands of dollars cheaper to build than the original plan.
The main change is clipping an attachment on to the State Highway 87 bridge near Outram, rather than crossing the Taieri River at Lindsay Rd by suspension bridge.
The route will now travel through farmland next to Riverside Rd, instead of running on the other side of the river.
Taieri Trails Group representative Colin Brown said the previous plan had technical challenges associated with building a suitable bridge and ensuring the integrity of the floodbanks would not be compromised.
"It became apparent it would cost a whole lot more than we originally anticipated", he said.
At the same time, an alternative route gained traction after farmers reflected on how it could work.
"This changed route has been made possible because of the co-operation of the landowners along Riverside Rd and SH87, who have all agreed to a cycle and walking trail crossing their land", Mr Brown said.
"All the directly affected landowners have been consulted and had input into deciding the most suitable route.
"It was a no-brainer for us to switch."
The estimated cost of building the trail was now $3.4 million.
The revised route would be "multiple hundreds of thousands" dollars cheaper to construct than the now-discarded option, he said.
Mr Brown expected it would become both a cycling tourism asset and a safe, off-road track for locals.
"With a distance of only 13km from Outram Bridge to the Mosgiel swimming pool, and all flat-contour riding, we anticipate it will be a popular and easy connection between Outram and Mosgiel for adults and teenagers alike."
The best route into Outram from the SH87 bridge has yet to be determined.
An updated feasibility study said an offshoot would turn right under the bridge to provide safe access to Outram Glen.
At the Mosgiel end, the trail would start where Wingatui Rd crossed the Silver Stream and it would follow the stream.
There would be many exit and entry points at Mosgiel, including Reid Ave, the study said.
"Leaving Mosgiel, the trail continues down the Silver Stream floodbanks, crossing to the true right at the Gladfield Rd pedestrian bridge, to meet the Taieri River where it turns upstream to meet Lindsay Rd.
"The 500m section of the little-used Lindsay Rd is the only section of the trail on public roads."
The trail would then travel north parallel to Riverside Rd for much of the remaining distance.
Sections of the trail would need to close during significant floods, the study said.
Mr Brown said raising the $3.4m to build it would not be easy, but the economic and social value of the proposed trail was high.
The trail from Mosgiel to Outram is the first stage of a planned connection between Mosgiel and Waihola, linking up with the Clutha Gold Cycle Trail extension.
Source: ODT 12/8/2024 grant.miller@odt.co.nz