Waitohi Picton’s Dublin Street and Broadway reopen to traffic and pedestrians

From midday tomorrow, 29 August, Picton residents and visitors will again be able to travel directly across town via Dublin Street with the road set to reopen to both traffic and pedestrians.

KiwiRail project manager Doug Carter says it’s good news to see the “Closed” signs come down.

“We’ve had crew putting in some big days these past few weeks to get the job finished; we’re even a day or two ahead of schedule.  Most importantly, barrier arms and signals, and a new pedestrian safety feature, a ‘maze’, on the level crossing are all installed and tested. We’re good to go for opening the road at noon tomorrow.

“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,” Doug Carter says.

“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 also reopens tomorrow, 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.

Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor today welcomed the reopening of Dublin Street and Broadway and 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.   

ENDS