New $12.6 million walking and cycling bridge to improve safety on Queenstown’s SH6

Construction of a new pedestrian and cycling bridge over State Highway 6 (SH6) in Queenstown is expected to begin in the coming months, following a government announcement focused on improving safety for locals and visitors. The bridge is expected to provide a safer way for schoolchildren, cyclists, pedestrians, and tourists to cross the busy highway, which carries around 27,000 vehicles every day.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop said the Government had listened to ongoing concerns from residents, parents, and visitors about the risks of crossing SH6. As a result, $12.6 million has been approved for the construction of the new bridge. The bridge will connect Jims Way and Ferry Hill Drive with Hardware Lane, improving access between residential areas near Lake Hayes and destinations around Frankton, including schools, shops, and workplaces. It will also link into Queenstown’s wider trail and cycle network, making it easier and safer for people to travel on foot or by bike.

According to Mr Bishop, the project is intended to improve safety while also supporting Queenstown’s tourism sector. Cycle tourism spending in the region reached $280 million in the year ending June 2025. Mr Bishop also thanked those involved in advancing the project, including Southland MP Joseph Mooney, who supported the development of the infrastructure.

The project will be funded by the NZ Transport Agency, which has awarded the construction contract to the Whakatipu Transport Programme Alliance — a partnership involving NZTA, Queenstown Lakes District Council, WSP, Beca, Downer, and Fulton Hogan. Planning work is already underway, with construction expected to be completed by the end of 2027. NZTA will also work with the Queenstown Trails Trust to create connecting walking and cycling trails linked to the bridge.

The bridge will feature an 8-metre clearance above SH6 to allow oversized freight vehicles to continue using the highway route between Otago and Southland. The structure itself will span 51.7 metres, include a 3-metre-wide pathway, and sit above a 2.8-metre triangular steel truss deck.