Have your say on river pathway bridge positioning

OPTIONS: The Manawatu River along Dittmer Drive. PHOTO: RENEE CLAYTON

The Palmerston North City Council is urging the public to voice their opinion on the placement of the bridge for the He Ara Kotahi, the Palmerston North to Linton shared pathway.

Locals attended a lunch last week where they were invited to look at three options for the bridge. They were also encouraged to share their views with councillors.

Keen cyclist Gerry Vanrooyen said he was all for the idea of a bridge that allowed people to walk or bike over this side of the river.

"The more cycle and walking ways that we have, the better. It makes sense to bike on the other side of the river, it adds new scenery and that is important to get people active."

Councillor Adrian Broad said the potential number of those using the bridge daily was expected to be between 1000 and 2000 people.

"It will make it easier for people to get out to Massey and Linton from town."

The bridge is expected to be built between January and July 2018.

"I believe the bridge would be better placed near Botanical Road so it caters for all people who use the Lido and Esplanade," Mr Vanrooyen said. "In that case it would be close to town and easy access for everyone.

"We have a beautiful river here and the river views are excellent upstream where you can see the big Fitzherbert Bridge and the windmills."

There is $10 million allocated for the project with the cost of the bridge estimated at $7 million.

The remaining money will be allocated to the shared pathway on the left bank of the Manawatu River.

The public were given the following options to choose from:

Option 1: A 3.9km track with the bridge near Botanical Road, approaching Dittmer Drive reserve and crossing over the river to Massey land.

Option 2: A 4.9km track with the bridge near Pitama Road, approaching Dittmer Drive reserve and crossing over the river to Massey land.

Option 3: A 6.5km track with the bridge near Maxwell's Line, approaching Waitoetoe Park and crossing over the river to Massey land.

To find out more information or to have your say visit www.pncc.govt.nz.