The Pepe Stream Bridge in Coromandel. Photo: Google Maps
Work has begun to replace nine priority bridges across the country.
New Zealand Transport Agency / Waka Kotahi (NZTA) says the work will take place over the next three years, and includes the Coal Creek Overbridge on the West Coast, Pepe Stream Bridge in Coromandel and the Waihao North Bridge in Canterbury.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown says the upgrades will ensure the network remains resilient, reliable, and efficient for road users.
"Visiting the Coromandel today, I understand the impact the current Pepe Stream Bridge is having on the local community and motorists that are visiting Tairua. At 81 years old, the single lane bridge is a bottleneck, with severe congestion experienced during holiday periods.
"I'm pleased we're getting on with work to deliver a modern two-lane replacement."
National MP for Coromandel Scott Simpson also singled out the replacement of the Pepe Stream Bridge as something the community needed.
"The sight of long lines of vehicles navigating stop-go signs in the swelting summer heat has become an unfortunate byproduct of our region's popularity, not to mention the inconvenience that locals encounter on a day-to-day basis."
Nearly 4000 vehicles crossed it daily, he said.
"Growing demands have long proven it needed replacing. Once its replacement is operational, it will mean locals can get to where they need to go quickly and safely, and visitors will have more time to experience everything the Coromandel has to offer."
The bridges included in Saturday's announcement were:
- SH82 Elephant Hill Bridge, Canterbury
- SH25 Pepe Stream Bridge, Waikato
- SH6 Coal Creek Overbridge, West Coast
- SH25 Ramarama Stream Bridge, Waikato
- SH43 Kururau Stream Water Drive, Whanganui
- SH82 Waihao North Bridge, Canterbury
- SH3 Mangapepeki No. 2 Culvert, Taranaki
- SH36 Hauraki Stream Culvert, Bay of Plenty
- SH27 Ohinekaua Stream Bridge, Waikato
Brown said many small bridges were suffering speed and weight restrictions due to their poor condition, so it was essential they were replaced to ensure productivity and economic growth.
"With a strong focus on maintenance, and prioritisation of network connectivity and productivity, NZTA can flatten the wave of bridge replacements needed over the next few decades. This allows us to target investment where it is needed most, while still ensuring road users can get where they need to go, quickly and safely."
