Media Release

Date: 9 October, 2012

Bridge move will halt traffic

Motorists are being urged to avoid using State Highway 1 and 3 near the Waiora Waikato Hospital on Tuesday evening (16 October) when a large bridge will be transported to the hospital.

The 38-metre bridge will span Pembroke St and link the main hospital with the Older Persons and Rehabilitation Service building which is under construction.

Traffic will be disrupted for about an hour from 7pm as the bridge is hauled from a Hawkins Construction yard off Gallagher Dr on to Kahikatea Drive and around the Braemar Hospital intersection with State Highway 3 and up Pembroke Street.

Emergency services will still have access to the hospital, including the Delivery Suite, but there will be restricted public access via Pembroke Street from 4pm. Hospital visitors should use Selwyn Street.

Project manager Jason Addison expects the bridge to be in the air by 8.15pm with installation work and glazing to continue through the night.

Two large cranes will lift the bridge on to a transporter in the afternoon before they too head to Pembroke Street for the final lifting.

Motorists can expect delays during the 40-minute road trip or need to take alternative routes.

ENDS