Wedoany.com Report on Feb 10th, James Meager, Associate Minister of Transport and Minister for the South Island of New Zealand, announced the official commencement of the bridge replacement project for two century-old bridges on a key inland route in South Canterbury. This initiative aims to enhance road safety, improve traffic reliability, and optimize freight efficiency.
The Waihao North River Bridge and Elephant Hill Creek Bridge on State Highway 82 will be demolished, with the construction of new bridges expected to take approximately 12 months. Meager noted, "The condition of these two-lane bridges is nearing its limit, and replacing them is more cost-effective than long-term maintenance."
Once completed, the new bridges will provide safer passage for users of SH82. This highway is a vital link connecting popular tourist destinations such as the Canterbury Lakes District, Mackenzie District, and Central Otago, and offers a convenient alternative route for north-south traffic along the Waitaki River, bypassing State Highway 1.
Meager emphasized that the new bridges will have no load restrictions, supporting freight operators and boosting regional productivity. Waitaki MP Miles Anderson stated, "I am pleased to see this important infrastructure renewal. The new bridges will strengthen the resilience of our local transport network."
The budget for replacing the Waihao North River Bridge is NZ$14 million, while the Elephant Hill Creek Bridge project requires NZ$5.7 million. Early preparatory work is complete, and HEB Construction will carry out simultaneous construction. Temporary bridges have been installed on-site to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow. The replacement of these two bridges is part of Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency's "End-of-Life Bridge Replacement Programme," which prioritizes replacing facilities nationwide that offer greater long-term value based on bridge condition and structural performance. The implementation of this bridge renovation project marks a significant step forward in the region's infrastructure renewal.
