Queenstown to Get $12.6 M Walking and Cycling Bridge Over Busy SH6 Corridor

The bridge will connect Jims Way and Ferry Hill Drive with Hardware Lane, creating a dedicated separated crossing for walkers and cyclists while integrating directly into the wider Queenstown Trails network.

Construction is expected to begin within months on a major new walking and cycling bridge over State Highway 6 in Queenstown, in what is being described as a transformative safety and connectivity project for one of New Zealand's fastest-growing tourism and residential regions.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop today confirmed $12.6 million in funding has been approved for the construction of a 50-metre-long pedestrian and cycle bridge spanning the heavily trafficked SH6 corridor, which currently carries approximately 27,000 vehicles every day.

The project is designed to dramatically improve safety for school children, cyclists, pedestrians and visitors navigating one of Queenstown's busiest transport routes while strengthening links between residential communities, tourism infrastructure and the region's rapidly expanding cycle trail network.

"State Highway 6 is a critical transport artery for Queenstown, but we've consistently heard concerns from local residents, parents, cyclists and tourists about the difficulty and danger of crossing the road safely," Mr Bishop said.

"This investment delivers a practical long-term solution that improves safety, supports active transport and enhances connectivity across a rapidly growing urban area."

The bridge will connect Jims Way and Ferry Hill Drive with Hardware Lane, creating a dedicated separated crossing for walkers and cyclists while integrating directly into the wider Queenstown Trails network.

Officials say the infrastructure upgrade is expected to significantly reduce conflict points between vehicles and vulnerable road users while encouraging greater uptake of cycling and walking as transport alternatives in the increasingly congested Queenstown basin.

The project comes as Queenstown experiences sustained population growth, rising tourism numbers and mounting transport pressures driven by expanding residential development around Frankton and Lake Hayes.

Transport planners have increasingly identified active transport infrastructure as critical to managing congestion and reducing pressure on major arterial roads throughout the region.

The new bridge is also expected to become an important tourism asset, supporting New Zealand's booming cycle tourism economy, which generated approximately $280 million in visitor spending in the year to June 2025.

Industry analysts say demand for cycling infrastructure has surged in recent years as both domestic and international travellers increasingly seek outdoor and low-carbon tourism experiences.

The bridge will improve direct access between residential neighbourhoods on the Lake Hayes side of the Shotover River and key destinations including schools, retail centres, employment hubs and recreational trails around Frankton.

Urban mobility experts say projects of this type are becoming increasingly important in tourism-dependent regions where infrastructure must serve both rapidly growing local populations and seasonal visitor surges.

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has allocated the full $12.6 million budget for the project, with construction responsibilities awarded to the Whakatipu Transport Programme Alliance (Kā Huanui a Tāhuna), which has overseen several major infrastructure upgrades across the Queenstown Lakes district.

Planning and pre-construction activities are now underway, including engineering preparation, traffic management coordination and integration planning with surrounding walking and cycling routes.

Construction of the bridge and associated approach connections is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

NZTA will work closely with the Queenstown Trails Trust, which will develop and integrate additional cycling and walking trail connections feeding directly into the new bridge infrastructure.

The project forms part of a wider national strategy focused on safer active transport networks, climate-conscious urban mobility and resilient tourism infrastructure.

Government officials say investments in walking and cycling infrastructure not only improve public safety but also help reduce emissions, ease traffic congestion and support healthier communities.

Mr Bishop said the bridge reflects growing recognition that transport infrastructure in high-growth regions must evolve beyond traditional road expansion projects alone.

"Queenstown's transport future requires smarter, more connected infrastructure that supports all users — motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and visitors alike," he said.

"I want to acknowledge everyone involved in advancing this project, including Southland MP Joseph Mooney, who has strongly advocated for infrastructure improvements that match the pace of growth in the region."

Once completed, the bridge is expected to become a key gateway connection within Queenstown's active transport system, improving accessibility while reinforcing the region's reputation as one of New Zealand's premier cycling and adventure tourism destinations.