Ferrymead Bridge Lifelines Project – notification of Resource Consent

11 October 2006

The project to strengthen Ferrymead Bridge to withstand a natural disaster came closer with a resource consent application being notified this Saturday, 14 October.

The Lifelines Project aims to strengthen the existing bridge so it can withstand a natural disaster, especially an earthquake.  It also means the bridge can be widened  and traffic management can be improved on the busy stretch of road.

Resource consent from Environment Canterbury is needed for the work in the Avon-Heathcote Estuary. 

Works include:

• reclamation of the foreshore with an embankment,
• deepening of the Estuary channel by dredging;
• removing and replacing the existing pile structures;
• removing an existing slipway and constructing a new slipway and beach area;
• removing the existing jetty and building a new one; and 
• excavation and deposition of material on the foreshore and seabed.

Two technical reports have been prepared as part of the application to Environment Canterbury.

One looks at the potential impacts on estuary ecology. The other looks at the impact on channel hydraulics and sedimentation in the estuary.  These reports, as well as an Assessment of  Environmental Effects can be viewed at ECan, and on the Council website at www.ccc.govt.nz/webapps/projectnotices

The resource consent application has been notified by Environment Canterbury and public submissions close at 5pm, Monday 13 November 2006.  A public hearing will be held once submissions have been received and ECan will then make a decision.. 

Detailed design can then be sought and construction should begin in 2008.

Top of Page ~ Media Release index