Frankton Arm Track Closure

Date:

Nov 29, 2018

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has temporarily closed a section of the Frankton Arm walking track near the historic Kawarau Falls Bridge in the interests of public safety. A slip on the embankment beneath the track, which was part of the recent NZTA Kawarau Falls Bridge replacement project, needs to be stabilised and unstable trees removed to make the area safe for public access.

The first of these trees was removed on Monday 26 November, and Geotech assessments are being undertaken to confirm access for machinery to remove a second tree. This is likely to be completed next week and in the meantime water-based traffic is advised to stay close to the centre island away from the embankment when travelling up the lake.

QLDC Chief Engineer Ulrich Glasner added that the slip has also damaged a QLDC wastewater pipe which needs to be bypassed.

“The wastewater pipe was CCTV inspected and has a dip. Sewerage is still flowing. We have sampled the lake beneath the slip to see if e.coli is present. Results are due in 24 hours. However we need to repair the damaged section of pipe which will require a temporary bypass. This will need to be run across the pathway and will therefore require the continued closure of the track until further notice,” said Mr Glasner.

During the closure, track users will be diverted via Bridge Street.

QLDC is investigating the cause of the slip and this will define the corrective actions required. Timescales are not yet known for reopening the track although it is anticipated it will be in the new year.

ENDS

For further information please contact QLDC Communications via communications@qldc.govt.nz or call 03 441 0499