More than 75% of local bridge repairs are complete, as Council’s bridge repair and rebuild programme continues at pace.

More than 130 bridges were damaged and eight were lost during Cyclone Gabrielle and other weather events, 97 requiring major structural repairs and 36 with minor fixes.

The rebuild of St Leger Bridge in Tiniroto is well underway and another three rebuilds will start before winter next year.

Mayor Rehette Stoltz says this work is critical to reconnecting local communities and the region’s economic growth.

“Our rural communities and industry depend on our bridges as lifelines and our transport network is only as resilient as our bridges,” said Mayor Stoltz.

“Cyclone Gabrielle ravaged our bridges and one by one, the Council recovery team and local contractors have worked tirelessly to get on top of these repairs.”

“I’m proud of our recovery effort so far and I know affected whānau are too.”

Makarika Bridge near Ruatorea was a focal point this month. A successful collaboration between multiple local contractors involved removing the bailey bridge and reopening the bridge on the same day.

Littleworths Bridge on Pehiri Road is also complete after significant repairs required the road to be closed for more than three weeks.

Crews are also working their way through repairs on Mangaheia Bridges 1, 3 and 4 on Tauwhareparae Road.

“We are grateful to our local communities and local industry for their partnership and patience as we work through our programme,” added Mayor Stoltz.

Bridge rebuild programme on track

The rebuild of StLeger Bridge in Tiniroto is progressing steadily. Earthworks on the new western approach are well advanced, while sheet piling has been completed to support the eastern abutment.

The first concrete pour on the abutment piles was carried out last week and the installation of the temporary staging bridge across the river has also started.

The construction contract for Mata (Huiarua) Bridge near Tokomaru Bay has been awarded and the rebuild will begin in January next year.

Procurement for Gray's Bridge in Kanakanaia closes in December and Pauariki Bridge in Uawa is in the design phase.

See Council’s website for more information on the region’s recovery programme.

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