There’s more to enjoy - by the end of next week, people out and about exploring the new trail will be able to walk or cycle as far as Cornish Point.

Central Otago Queenstown Trails Network Trust executive trustee Janeen Wood said work on the trail was on schedule, with winter milestones almost complete.

Walkers and cyclists would soon be able to enjoy completed sections of the track around Bannockburn Inlet, as far as Cornish Point.

Recent heavy rainfalls had been both good and bad for the trail, Janeen said.

“The contractors were only one day short of finishing that section, when the recent heavy rain saturated the gravel.

They’ll be coming next week now to do that – it’ll only take a day or two to do, assuming we don’t get any more rain.”

The upside of the heavy downpours had been to identify a few areas that needed a touch-up. Much easier to do now, Janeen said, rather than later when construction was finished.

“By the end of next week, the trail will be rideable round to Cornish Point, all the way from Smith’s Way, through Old Cromwell and across the Bannockburn Bridge.”

Work on the Bannockburn Bridge is almost complete.

Janeen pointed to the two visible gaps through the gorge, where no trail has yet been formed.

“The other contractor that’s down the gorge is moving his earthworks equipment into the area between Hartley and Reilly Bridge and the Pick Axe Bluff Bridge, and should be starting work on that section of the trail very soon.

“The contractors on the Pick Axe Bluff, our longest bolt-on bridge, are almost finished.

“This month they’ll move down to the next place they’re building bridges.

“People can probably already see the little digger doing the track that will join up and meet those bridges in that section near Half-way Hut.”

Janeen said the far end towards Clyde was named Stage 5; this was already formed and gravelled, but safety rails still had to be put in place.

“And then the Stage 3 section from Cornish Point to Half-way Hut, they’re starting to gravel that now.

“People will see the barge being moved up to Jackson’s Creek, where Jackson’s Orchards were, so it can transport gravel across for finishing surfaces to be completed on that section.”

Janeen said it was great to see people so interested in the progress of the trail, and how many were already enjoying the rideable sections.

“It’s all coming together, and we’re so lucky to have this asset for the community to enjoy.”

Photos Mary Hinsen

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