There was bound to be a feeling of relief for the Mt Somers Walkways Society last week, not that they would readily admit it.
Society president, Charles Ross, said the crucial part of the new Sharplin Falls Walkway was completed, with the two almost 30 metre long steel bridges installed by helicopter over the last two weeks.
“We are relieved to get through this stage,” Ross said.
“It’s been over five years to get to this stage, and there is plenty of work still to be done before the track can open.
“The scaffolding will go out soon and the timber steps and lookout will be constructed, as well as finishing the track shingling.”
The complex bridge installation was led by Fulton Hogan, and Ross said they have done an outstanding job in difficult conditions.
“They spent the last six weeks walking in and out most days.”
The society is eager to get people back visiting the “local treasure destination”, but until the track is completed and receives DOC sign-off it remains closed to the public, he said.
Rockfalls on the track during and after the 2011 earthquakes meant that DOC permanently closed the track due to safety concerns in 2017.
Following extensive consultation with DOC and geologists, the society has undertaken to build the new track themselves.
The cost of the two steel bridges has made up the bulk of the cost of the project, which is estimated to be around $470,000, which has all been raised by the society.
That is why there was likely a few nerves ahead of the bridge installation, the “crux of the project”, and some relief they are in place, and the society is closing in on completion.
Along the journey the society received $5000 as a Community Projects Grant from the Ashburton District Council in 2020-21 to help cover resource and building consent costs for the new walkway, and they also received a further $7500 from the council in 2022/23.

• By Jonathan Leask