Final preparations are now underway for the official opening of the restored Lower Shotover bridge, restoration trust spokesman Angus Welsh said.

"This will be a very public affair, although we are sending out invitations this week, the bridge belongs to this community and anyone that would like to attend the opening will be welcome," Mr Welsh said.

The bridge would be officially opened at 12.30pm on Friday, June 3, on the Lake Hayes side.

"Due to the time of year we intend to keep the opening brief with some short sechmaking and the cutting of the ribbon,"Mr Welsh said.

Members of the public were welcome to attend earlier and inspect a vintage car display from 12pm, with entertainment provided by the Arrowtown Miners band and hot soup available.

"We want this to be a real occasion for celebration, particularly as the restored bridge will play a pivotal part in the Wakatipu Trails Trust link walkway between Queenstown and Arrowtown," Mr Welsh said.

In conjunction with the bridge opening a 20 minute section of the link had been completed from Spence to Domain Road.

"People will be able to get a real feel for the walkway and bridge relationship," Mr Welsh said,

The $750,000 bridge restoration was a Queenstown Rotary Club project to mark the international 100th anniversary of the founding of rotary.

"Numerous community organisations and local businesses have supported the project but the bulk of the funding has come from the Community Trust of Southland, the Central Lakes Trust, the Lotteries Commission, the Queenstown Lakes District Council, Land Transport New Zealand and the Rotary Club of Queenstown," Mr Welsh said.

ENDS

For further information please contact Angus Welsh 03 441 0499

By: Tamah