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SH82 Waitaki River Bridges Replacement

The two single lane bridges (256m and 140m long) crossing the Waitaki River on State Highway 82, which provide a link between Kurow and Hakataramea, are at the end of their serviceable lives and require replacement. Continuing heavy maintenance of these 128 years old predominantly timber construction bridges is not feasible. The bridges are also highly vulnerable to flood damage.

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The hardwood timber Waitaki Bridge built in 1893 provides a crucial link between the north and south sides of the Waitaki River..

The hardwood timber Waitaki Bridge built in 1893 provides a crucial link between the north and south sides of the Waitaki River.

Canterbury

  • Other names

    Kurow Bridges

  • Construction completion date

    2014

  • Location

    Waimate / Waitaki District Councils

  • Project type

    Bridge replacement

  • Project status

    Design

  • Project contact

    John Kirwan

  • Estimated cost

    $5 million to $20 million

Project purpose

State Highway 82 (SH82), which crosses the Waitaki River inland at Kurow, is an important alternative route for vehicles travelling along State Highway 1 (SH1). In the event that SH1 at the Waitaki River Bridge is impassable, SH82 would provide the only alternative route within realistic travelling distance for essential transport to reach destinations north and south of the Waitaki River. Without the SH82 bridges, very large detours via the Mackenzie District would be necessary for SH1 traffic.

SH82 crosses the Waitaki River between Kurow, on the south bank, and Hakataramea on the north bank over two single-lane bridges (256m and 140m long). Dating to 1881 the bridges, which were originally built as railway bridges, are at the end of their serviceable lives and require replacement. Continuing heavy maintenance of these 129 years old predominantly timber construction bridges is not feasible. Extensive flood damage during December 1995/January 1996 resulted in closures and emergency repairs, and highlighted the vulnerability of the bridges to further flood damage.

The Scheme Assessment Report Update of October 2009 recommended that both bridges be replaced by two-lane bridges with a separate walkway for pedestrians and cyclists, down stream from the existing bridges. This project is now in its Design phase.

Benefits

  • Maintain an alternative route for SH1 traffic in case of emergencies, such as crashes or floods that close SH1 or make it impassable.
  • To provide route security along SH82 between Kurow and Waimate.
  • Improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians using the bridges.
  • Protect the community cohesion between Kurow and the Hakataramea Valley, which has existed since the bridges were constructed in 1881 by ensuring residents in the Hakataramea area have access to essential services and employment in Kurow.
  • Increase the capacity for over-sized vehicles, such as agricultural machinery and freight, to use SH82 rather than detour to use SH1.

Features

  • Two new two-lane bridges, which are straight and level.
  • Improved and realigned approaches from both banks.
  • A separate walkway for pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Upgraded river protection works.

What happens next?

This project is now in the Design phase. A specimen design for the new bridges is programmed for completion by June 2011. Following on in 2011/12 will be the completion of detailed design and then construction. Construction is programmed for completion by the end of 2013.