Q. Are you able to update me as to what, if anything, is happening regarding the proposed pedestrian overbridge for Milford Marina? As I understand the history, the original footbridge was removed when the Milford Marina was created many years ago with a promise to rebuild on completion of the marina, and council funds were earmarked at the time but a new footbridge was not constructed. The project re-emerged in the lead-up to the creation of the Super City council. I understand funds were once again earmarked and there was strong support from North Shore City Council and equally strong opposition from berth holders at the Milford Marina. The last time I read anything about it was about September 2011 when it was reported that the council was applying for resource consent and was committed to progressing the project. I have not been able to find any information on the council website or in any publication since. Sonya Raw, Castor Bay.
Auckland Council advises that resource consent was granted for a bridge through a public hearing process in June 2012. Work continues on the detailed design in the current financial year in preparation for the construction of the bridge in the next financial year. It is estimated any construction programme would take at least six months to complete.
Q. I noticed recently that the pedestrian refuge at the corner of Mt Eden and Normanby roads has disappeared. There are also a whole lot gone from the southern end of Sandringham Rd. Why is this? Are they to be replaced by pedestrian crossings? Or will the refuges return? Janice Marriott, Mt Eden.
The refuges have been removed to make way for the huge trucks required to transport parts of Alice, the tunnel boring machine, from the port to Owairaka at the site of the Waterview Connection where it will be rebuilt. Alice has been dismantled into 97 parts, the largest of which are being transported at night. The 11km route for oversized loads is Quay St, Tangihua St, Beach Rd, Anzac Ave, Symonds St, Mt Eden Rd, Balmoral Rd and Sandringham Rd. The two largest will be taken via Normanby Rd to avoid the Mt Eden Rd rail bridge. The pedestrian refuges will be rebuilt once the route is able to return to normal use, some time next week.