Construction of a new bridge on State Highway 27 (SH27) between Tahuna and Patetonga in the Waikato will get underway this month, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe existing SH27 Ohinekaua Stream Bridge is around 80 years old and has reached the end of its serviceable life. Replacing it will ensure SH27 remains a safe and reliable route for the people, businesses, and freight operators, who depend on it every day,\u201d Mr Bishop says.<\/p>\n
\u201cDowner NZ have been contracted to deliver the bridge replacement, with site setup and enabling works beginning from Monday 22 June. The project is expected to cost around $3.26 million and construction is expected to be completed by the end of the year. <\/p>\n
\u201cA short diversion and single-lane Bailey bridge will be in place by late July, allowing traffic to continue using SH27 while the new bridge is built. SH27 carries around 3,500 vehicles per day, 21 per cent of the heavy vehicles. By using a temporary bypass and Bailey bridge, this important route can remain open while a new bridge is built.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe temporary bridge will be controlled by traffic lights, with a 30km\/h speed limit in place. Delays are expected to be short, but road users should allow extra time for their journeys from late July. The temporary bridge will accommodate HPMV 50MAX trucks but will not be suitable for oversized loads.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe work to repair or upgrade nine priority bridges and culverts was given the green light in July 2024 as part of the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP). Since then, a further five priority locations have been added, and NZTA is progressing design, consenting, and contracting so work can start.<\/p>\n
\u201cFixing the basics of our roading network is a priority for this Government, and with many bridges across the country requiring speed and weight restrictions due to their age and condition, it is essential priority bridges are replaced when funding is available with more modern and resilient structures.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur state highways are critical routes for freight and tourism and serve as important lifelines for communities around New Zealand. We expect our state highway bridges to be well maintained and properly managed, which is why this replacement and maintenance work is so important.<\/p>\n
\u201cReplacing the SH27 Ohinekaua Stream Bridge will improve the resilience of the wider Waikato state highway network and keep local communities, freight and emergency services moving. I look forward to work getting underway this month and being completed by the end of the year.\u201d<\/p>\n
Notes to editor: <\/p>\n
Bridges\/culverts set to be replaced in the 2024-27 NLTP period:<\/p>\n
SH3 Mangapepeke No. 1 Culvert, Taranaki (new addition for 2024-27 period)
\nSH3 Mangapepeke No. 2 Culvert, Taranaki
\nSH43 Kururau Stream Water Drive, Whanganui
\nSH25 Pepe Stream Bridge, Coromandel
\nSH82 Elephant Hill Bridge, South Canterbury
\nSH82 Waihao North Bridge, South Canterbury
\nSH6 Coal Creek Overbridge, West Coast
\nSH25 Ramarama Stream Bridge, Waikato
\nSH27 Ohinekaua Bridge, Waikato
\nSH36 Hauraki Stream Culvert, Bay of Plenty<\/p>\n
Bridge maintenance renewal works:<\/p>\n
SH25 Boundary Creek Bridge, Coromandel (new addition for 2024-27 period)
\nSH35 Mangahauini No. 1 Bridge, Gisborne (new addition for 2024-27 period)
\nSH38 Frasertown Bridge, Hawke\u2019s Bay (new addition for 2024-27 period)
\nSH50 Ngaruroro River Bridge, Hawke\u2019s Bay (new addition for 2024-27 period)<\/p>\n
Other announcements recently made:<\/p>\n
SH2 Pekatahi Bridge, Bay of Plenty. Design and pre-implementation work for a two-lane replacement is underway. Construction is expected to be within the 2027-30 NLTP once funding is approved and a contractor is appointed.<\/p>\n
This programme excludes bridges being replaced due to weather event damage.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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