Waitohi Picton’s Dublin Street and Broadway now open
Barrier arms and signals, and a new pedestrian safety feature, a ‘maze’, on the level crossing have been installed at Dublin Street
Picton residents and visitors can again travel directly across town via Dublin Street with the road reopening to both traffic and pedestrians on 29 August.
Mayor Nadine Taylor acknowledged KiwiRail’s efforts to return Picton to “the way it was” before the ferry precinct redevelopment work began. “I would also like to make special mention to the patience shown by the community of Waitohi Picton during what has been at times a frustrating and disruptive situation for everyone. It’s great to have Broadway reopening as well – made possible by the putting right of Dublin Street,” Mayor Taylor said.
KiwiRail project manager Doug Carter said it was good news to see the “Closed” signs come down.
“There is a bit of tidying up to do. The footpaths aren’t quite finished and the road surface needs tidying up in due course, but the most important thing is to get the road open. We hope it’s another step back to normality for residents,” he said.
“Port Marlborough, Marlborough Roads, NZTA, Marlborough District Council and KiwiRail have all collaborated to get this work done on time, and Simcox have done a terrific job on the construction front. It’s a real pleasure to work together on this and other projects.”
Broadway has also reopened made possible by the reopening of Dublin Street as the main route for cross-town traffic. The reopening of Dublin Street and Broadway mostly completes KiwiRail’s work to wind up the ferry redevelopment project.
“Work continues on the last section of the Waitohi Awa Culvert, which once finished will have greater capacity to manage stormwater. The new mechanical depot and offices are almost done. The demolition of the old depot and the reinstatement of the vehicle marshalling yard are well underway – these are the final pieces of work to be completed.”
Over the next few weeks, the Simcox team will be undertaking final tidy up works off the road carriageway with as little disruption as possible. A crew from Marlborough District Council will construct a footpath at the Dublin and Auckland Street intersection, completing the work to reconnect Picton’s port side and town centre.
