Repairs to the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail have begun.

Sections of the cycle trail which suffered significant damage from flooding in July and August last year, are being restored, and also reinforced to make them less susceptible to future damage.

The work is being carried out by Wilson & Keen Contracting (WKC), at a cost of $688,000 - $500,000 of which is funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Enterprise. 

Cycle trail manager Robyn Hyde said it will be great to see the trail “fully restored to its former glory”, and she appreciated riders’ patience when negotiating the applicable parts of the trail. 

The work is expected to take five months, but the trail will remain open and cyclists are encouraged to say hello when passing by the contractors, Robyn said. 

Work will continue in the Otematapaio Stream area, as fresh building material arrives on site, for the trail alignment and preparation for the new bridge to go in. 

Cyclists are advised to keep on the lookout for contractors in this section, and dismount in the vicinity of operating machinery. 

WKC will be working on the Tarnbrae section, close to Lake Ohau, this week.

The WKC team will manage the flow of cyclists through the worksites and trail users are urged to be patient and follow instructions.

“We will try our best to make sure the trail remains open at all times, and repair works are carried out with minimal disruption to users,” Robyn said. 

A new Lonely Planet book called The Bikepackers’ Guide to the World has just named the Alps 2 Ocean in its top five New Zealand cycling trails for a bike-focused trip. 

The repairs will ensure it continues to be one of the best cycling trails in the world, Robyn said.

Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher emphasised the extra work being carried out is to help prevent some of the more frequent washouts happening as often in the future. 

“While this is costing some extra money now, it will save a lot of interruptions and future costs.”

Weekly information on live work sites will be posted on the A2O website to inform users of sections where repairs are currently taking place.

Work happening on the Otematapaio Stream area of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail. PHOTO: Supplied