The NZ Transport Agency invites public feedback on the proposed Waitaki River bridges replacement project.
OPUS Consultants, on behalf of the NZTA, is currently updating scheme investigations for the project.
Your input will help finalise the scheme report and identify an option that will address the social, cultural and environmental requirements.
Overview
The Waitaki River bridges provide a crucial link between the Kurow and Hakataramea communities and are also important to Waimate residents 60km away. The bridges provide access from SH83 on the Kurow side of the Waitaki River and SH82 on the Hakataramea side.
The SH83 bridge is 256m long and the SH82 bridge 140m. Both bridges are single-lane and predominantly timber construction.
The (NZTA) maintains ongoing surveillance of the bridges, especially during floods. Recent structural assessments indicate that both bridges have come to the end of their serviceable lives and need replacing.
Project background
The proposed bridge replacement involves two new single-lane structures (with a footway). These would be built immediately downstream from the existing bridges. Consideration was given to two-lane bridges, but low traffic volumes didn’t justify the much higher construction costs.
An investigation into replacement options for these bridges was originally carried out in 1998.
Replacement plans for the bridges were put to one side when Meridian Energy announced the Project Aqua development in the lower Waitaki. After Meridian abandoned Project Aqua, they continued to investigate other lower Waitaki options.
Further work on replacing the bridges was halted until Meridian finalised their plans. They have now done this – opting for the North Bank Tunnel scheme – a scheme that has no impact on the proposed sites for the new bridges.
The NZTA is reviewing the 1998 bridge replacement investigation to confirm its recommendations are still relevant for the current physical and environmental issues.
Project description
The proposed two single-lane replacement bridges immediately downstream of the existing bridges would include a shared walkway/cycleway.
This option will require the construction of new bridge approaches over a distance of about 1600m (including bridges lengths).
Access to the recreational area on the island between the bridges will remain.
Project process
Your feedback will be taken into account during the updating of the scheme assessment report.
The final proposal for replacing bridges will be subject to the approval of the NZTA board. Their decision will determine when design work will start.
Making a submission
Submissions closed on 3 April 2009.
Last updated: 6 August 2009
