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Bridge replacement work begins nationwide

Posted on by Vaseline

Work has begun to replace nine priority bridges in the country.

According to the New Zealand Transport Agency/Waka Kotahi (NZTA), the work will take place over the next three years and will include the Coal Creek Overbridge on the West Coast, the Pepe Stream Bridge in Coromandel and the Waihao North Bridge in Canterbury.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown says the improvements will ensure the network remains resilient, reliable and efficient for road users.

“When I visited Coromandel today I understood the impact the current Pepe Stream Bridge has on the local community and motorists visiting Tairua. At 81 years old, the single-lane bridge is a bottleneck, with severe congestion during holiday periods.

“I am pleased that we are continuing the work to create a modern, two-lane replacement route.”

Scott Simpson, National MP for Coromandel, also cited the replacement of the Pepe Stream Bridge as something the community needed.

“Seeing long lines of vehicles stopping and driving in the sweltering summer heat is unfortunately a byproduct of our region’s popularity, not to mention the inconvenience locals experience on a daily basis.”

According to him, almost 4,000 vehicles drove over it every day.

“Growing demand has long proven that it needed to be replaced. Once operational, the replacement will mean locals can get to their destinations quickly and safely, and visitors will have more time to experience all that Coromandel has to offer.”

The bridges included in Saturday’s announcement are:

  • SH82 Elephant Hill Bridge, Canterbury
  • SH25 Pepe Stream Bridge, Waikato
  • SH6 Coal Creek Overbridge, West Coast
  • SH25 Ramarama Stream Bridge, Waikato
  • SH43 Kururau Stream Water Drive, Whanganui
  • SH82 Waihao North Bridge, Canterbury
  • SH3 Mangapepeki No. 2 culvert, Taranaki
  • SH36 Hauraki Current Diver, Bay of Plenty
  • SH27 Ohinekaua Stream Bridge, Waikato

Brown said many small bridges were facing speed and weight restrictions due to their poor condition, so it was essential they were replaced to ensure productivity and economic growth.

“With a strong focus on maintenance and prioritising network connectivity and productivity, NZTA can help to smooth the wave of bridge replacements that will be required over the coming decades. This will allow us to target investment where it is needed most, while still ensuring road users can get to their destinations quickly and safely.”

rnz.co.nz