Clutha Gold cycle trail extension LCSIAs

Southern Land Development Consultants commissioned ViaStrada to undertake three Level Crossing Safety Impact Assessments (LCSIAs) for a proposed trail development in the Clutha District near Milton and through to Lake Waihola. The trail is an extension of the Clutha Gold Trail (led by the Clutha Gold Trail Charitable Trust), with sections of new cycle trail running near the Main South Line rail corridor at Tough Road, Circle Hill Road, and terminating at Waihola Place.

Due to Covid-19, it was not possible to undertake visits of the first two sites, but the Client provided photographs and a background report. The third site was visited in June 2021, with field notes and photographs captured, and discussions were held online with KiwiRail and Clutha District staff. From this information, Level Crossing Safety Scores were derived for the existing sites and the proposed designs.

The first two sites were rated a "Low" crossing risk currently, with the new trail only increasing that to "Medium-Low", which still meets KiwiRail's criteria. Recommendations were suggested for maintenance of nearby vegetation, providing sealed crossing points, and installing tactile pavers and hold-rails. A revised path route at Circle Hill Road was also proposed.

The Lake Waihola site was rated a "Medium" crossing risk currently, but the suggested improvements to the site would reduce this to a "Medium-Low" rating, satisfying KiwiRail criteria. Key improvements suggested were additional signs and markings near the crossing, sealing of nearby unsealed accessways, and further trimming of adjacent vegetation to improve sightlines.