Karaka Mountain Bike Track Bridge Structures

Transcription

1 Memo Information 1 Karaka Mountain Bike Track Bridge Structures TO FROM Infrastructure Committee Greg Hampton - Area Manager, Thames & Coromandel DATE 4 November 2015 SUBJECT Karaka Mountain Bike Track Bridge Structures 1 Purpose of Report To obtain endorsement from the Infrastructure Committee of a proposed bridge structure design and approval to undertake the works on legal (paper) road vested in Council. 2 Background The Karaka Track starts at approximately 411 Karaka Road, Thames. It provides easy access to the Coromandel Forest Park direct from the urban area of Thames. The Thames Mountain Bike Club (TMBC) has a vision of developing a high standard dual walking/cycling trail circuit for Thames connecting the Karaka and Waiotahi tracks for recreational use. The track circuit is predominantly Department of Conservation (DoC) land but both ends of the trail are located on TCDC public road. The TMBC has received approval from DoC to upgrade and assist with maintenance of the DoC track sections. The TMBC applied for and has been the recipient of a $15,000 grant from Trailfund. The general purpose of the grant was for the construction of two bridges and a boardwalk on the first section of the Karaka Track vested in Council as road. By accessing these sites with the machinery required, then further general track formation work could occur more easily. Although identified with DoC signs at its entrance, the Karaka track follows an alignment that is mostly on legal road reserve for approximately the first five kilometres into the Coromandel Forest Park. It was originally created to access mining claims which is quite evident even within a comparatively short distance of Karaka Road. Since mining operations ceased the track has become an easily accessed recreational opportunity for the general public. Over more recent times this track has been used to host to the annual "Surf to Firth" event and there has also been continuing usage by general walkers, Tramping Clubs and now the Thames Mountain Bike Club (TMBC). The TMBC are intending to continue the impetus into the future and intend to seek further funding for additional work to improve the track along its alignment creating a high standard trail circuit behind Thames. 3 Issue The TMBC are wanting to progress their project by installing the proposed bridges on the unformed legal road being the initial section of the Karaka Track. The TMBC are therefore requesting:

2 2 Infrastructure Committee approval to undertake the works that they have funding for on legal road, Infrastructure Committee acceptance of the bridge structures being vested as Council asset upon completion (asset to be registered as a Parks Asset). TMBC have indicated that the grant has a limited life and that TMBC must invoice Trailfund soon or the grant must be handed back. They also expressed a strong desire to gain the approvals so that they can start building during the summer months. 4 Discussion For many people, the Karaka Track ends after the first 600m where the first creek crossing occurs. At this point many turn back and treat the track as a short walk. For the more experienced, a creek crossing is required, and from that point on the track deteriorates. Installing a bridge at this first creek crossing will improve the track to that point. A new bridge will open up the Karaka Track to more users. It is anticipated that people will still use the Karaka Track as a short walk experience, but they would now have the opportunity to lengthen that short walk to a 90+ minute experience. The Karaka Track will also become a better destination for trampers and walkers because bridging the stream crossing will allow easier access to the back country. LANDSAR have also commented that, by bridging the stream crossing, it allows easier access from the Thames urban area for search and rescue operations. Without bridging, the creek is impassable when water levels are high. An improved creek crossing would also be a benefit to the 'Surf to Firth' event and participant's, and may increase numbers undertaking the event. It is understood that TMBC has good liaison with both LANDSAR and Surf to Firth organisers and both of these groups are supportive of the proposal and will work in with the TMBC on the construction works. Bridging of the first and second crossings will also allow for a mountain bike riding experience that is unique, and highly attractive. It would be the only mountain biking access to a hut north of Lake Taupo and when the proximity to Auckland is factored in, there is a good potential that these proposed works will open the door for new recreational opportunities and an increase in visitor attraction. The intention of the TMBC for track construction is to cater for the Backcountry Adventurer (BCA) visitor group as defined to SNZ HB 8630:2004; "Visitors, usually New Zealanders, with a reasonable level of backcountry skills and experience. They require only a basic track and access is largely on foot, where air or boat access is permitted". Track requirements as defined by SNZ HB 8630:2004 are: Tramping Tracks these tracks generally follow the lie of the land and are commonly not formed. Includes day visits but ranging further into the backcountry and not requiring the standard of tracks for day visitors. Tracks have bridges at key river crossings. Visitors accept a degree of risk and discomfort.". The construction details provided have been professionally designed by a structural engineer and a Producer Statement (PS1) will be provided. The Structures will also require certification by a professional engineer following completion through issue of a PS4 certification.

3 3 To note is that the design for the structures has been improved to cater for users in the Day Visitor class and effectively means that the structures have more safety features than normal for a track catering for the BCA visitor group. This is a good thing considering the track is within 600metres of an urban area and will likely be also used by less experienced individuals, including children. The ongoing maintenance and depreciation costs of two new bridges are estimated to be $1,200 each per year. At its meeting of 18 May 2015 the Thames Community Board agreed to the proposal and approved additional funding of $1,200 per year to the Thames Reserves activity for the depreciation and operating costs of the two bridges. 5 Suggested Resolution(s) That the Infrastructure Committee: 1. Receives the Karaka Mountain Bike Track Bridge Structures report. 2. Grants approval to undertake the works as proposed. 3. Accepts the gifting of the structures to Council upon completion. References-Tabled/Agenda Attachments Attachment A Bridge Structure Design Attachment B Approximate Location of 1 st Bridge.

4 Attachment A Attachment A - Karaka Mountain Bike Track Bridge Structure Design 4

5 5 Attachment B - Approximate Bridge Location Attachment B