Walkers and cyclists should have a new bridge at Centennial Park next week.
Timaru District Council parks and recreation manager Bill Steans said work began on the bridge about three weeks ago.
“It’s replacing an ageing but well-used bridge at the park. It’s a very popular spot for cyclists and walkers,” he said. “It’s progressing well, the contractors are just putting the final touches on it.”
The bridge will be about six metres long and replace an existing bridge on a cycling and walking track in the reserve.
Mr Steans said the new bridge was made from concrete, rather than wood. He expected the work to cost about $40,000, but local firm Jacksons Cranes had donated some of its crane time towards the project.
Jacksons Cranes owner Dave Jackson said this was done for the community good.
“I’m a bit of a keen cyclist and walker, so I’m just as likely to use the track as anyone else. We were happy to help out in a small way as we carried out the other haulage work,” he said.
Mr Steans said the firm’s donation probably saved “a few thousand dollars”. He hoped the bridge would be ready in time for the 12-hour mountain bike race around the park on Saturday.
BRIDGE BUILDING: Work on the new Centennial Park bridge is almost complete. Jackson’s Cranes donated crane time to the project.
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