Dublin Street in Picton remains closed as KiwiRail and NZTA discuss the future of the Dublin Street overbridge. Photo: RNZ / Samantha Gee
A Picton street that has been closed for eight months due to a shelved ferry project will reopen after a level crossing is reinstated later this year.
Dublin Street has been closed since July 2023 so underground services could be moved and an overbridge built over the rail line as part of KiwiRail's Inter-island Resilient Connection (iReX) project.
iReX programme director David Warburton said despite the project's funding being pulled in December, a decision had not yet been made on whether the bridge would be built over Dublin Street.
It was still in discussions with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) about the bridge and associated road upgrades in Picton related to the project.
In the meantime, the level crossing would be reinstated in two stages - beginning after Easter - with no confirmed date for its reopening.
"Work [is] starting after Easter to reopen the street west of Market Street, including Market Street and the side streets. East of Market Street will come second. We don't have firm dates but are working to do this as quickly as possible, however it does rely on the availability of specialist equipment."
Marlborough mayor Nadine Taylor said the Picton community, which had been and continued to be disrupted by the project's works, would be pleased to hear the road was reopening.
"This is a good outcome for the local community until a longer-term decision is made about the future of the roading network in the town."
A decision was also yet to be made on any work needed at the crossing of the Broadway intersection with the main trunk line.
KiwiRail and Port Marlborough were also in discussions about the the best options for the old terminal buildings and the new temporary terminal, moving forward.