The public can now make submissions on the Gore District Council’s proposed Mataura River Bridge, following the clarification of design details.

There was a slight delay in notifying the consent application to the public because Environment Southland planners had questions about the colour of the paint, lighting, bridge levels and when work might begin.

Landpro senior planner Claire Perkins said the Gore District Council was talking with the local Hokonui Runanga about the colour of the bridge.

“The colours shown in the design drawings at present are a white mast, stainless steel wires and timber and steel bridge deck and railing materials. The lighting design has not been commenced, yet. However, any lights on the bridge and cycling track will be primarily for public safety and amenity; downward facing pedestrian lighting, plus an aviation signal light on the top of the bridge mast,’’ Ms Perkins said in her written response to questions.

Ms Perkins confirmed consent conditions would address colours and lighting. She also clarified the bridge levels and confirmed no work associated with the cycleway/walkway in the floodway or stop bank would be undertaken until authorized under the Southland Flood Control and Drainage Management Bylaw 2020.

The bridge would be built about 650m upstream of the existing traffic bridge, near the intersection between Church and Huron streets on the east bank, and Surrey Street on the west bank.

It will provide a cycling and walking link, and carry a new water pipeline from the East Gore water treatment plant to the Jacobstown Wells.

The council needs resource consent from itself and also from Environment Southland, because construction will disturb the riverbed.

An independent consultant planner, Keith Hovell, is overseeing the processing of the consent.

The consent decision will be made by an independent hearing commissioner or commissioners.

The new bridge will be 39m at its highest point, 90m long, and 3m wide.

Mr Hovell said any person can make a submission in support of the project, in opposition or neutral.

Details about the project are available on the Gore District Council and Environment Southland websites.