increase font size
The SH25 Pepe Stream Bridge in the Waikato (pictured) is set to be replaced.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown says the Government welcomes news that NZTA has begun work to replace nine priority bridges across New Zealand.
He says the decision will ensure the state highway network remains resilient, reliable, and efficient for road users.
“Increasing productivity and economic growth is a key priority for the Government, and with many small bridges across the country suffering speed and weight restrictions due to their age and condition, it is essential these bridges are replaced with more modern and resilient structures,” Brown says.
Over the course of the next three years, nine priority bridges will be replaced, including the SH6 Coal Creek Overbridge on the West Coast, the SH82 Elephant Hill Bridge and Waihao North Bridge in Canterbury, and the SH25 Pepe Stream Bridge in the Waikato.
Brown visited the Coromandel last week and says he understands the impact the current Pepe Stream Bridge has on the local community and motorists visiting Tairua.
“At 81-years-old, the single lane bridge is a bottleneck, with severe congestion experienced during holiday periods,” he says. “I’m pleased we’re getting on with work to deliver a modern two-lane replacement.”
Brown says New Zealand’s state highways are critical for freight, tourism, and serve as important lifelines for communities.
“We must maintain, manage, and replace these bridge assets to a standard Kiwis need and expect. Particularly in rural and remote locations where alternative routes are not available,” he says.
“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,” Brown adds.
He says this will allow the Government to target investment where it is needed most, while ensuring road users get where they need to go, quickly and safely.
“I look forward to these first nine priority bridges being replaced over the next three years and the benefits that will come to local communities from modern and more resilient structures,” he says.
Bridges to be replaced
OPINION: Central Hawke's Bay farmer Mark Warren recently told the Hawke's Bay Times it's time for a conversation about allowing skilled and properly equipped locals to help councils clear debris and reopen roads after severe weather events.
The regions that will host clinical training for the University of Waikato's new medical school from 2028 have been confirmed, alongside a new nationwide approach to clinical placements for medical students.
New Zealand communities are being encouraged to participate in Road Safety Week, running from 4 - 10 May, with a nationwide push to raise awareness and reduce road harm.
The horticulture sector is under threat because of vulnerabilities of the country's transport infrastructure, according to a report commissioned by a collective representing a range of groups in the sector.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.
The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College) and Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network are calling for investment in a proposed new training pathway for rural GPs, warning that many rural practices are struggling to recruit while a large share of the existing workforce nears retirement.
Federated Farmers has called on Central Otago District Council (CODC) to drop or vote down a plan to truck sludge from Alexandra and Cromwell to farmland near Lauder, warning it would compound an "outrageous" situation created by a separate council's decision weeks earlier.
Synlait has swung to second-half profit as operations stabilise, but the dairy processor still posted a $75.4m annual loss.
LIC shareholders have elected a new North Island representative to the co-operative's Board, along with five representatives to its Shareholder Reference Group (SRG), following the company's Annual Meeting held in Invercargill.
Farmers across parts of Southland and South Otago are continuing to deal with difficult conditions after a prolonged run of wet weather, with pressure building around feed supply, stock management, pasture damage, farm infrastructure and everyday workloads.
Federated Farmers says it welcomes Labour's commitment to reviewing the Sharemilking Agreements Act, calling on other major parties to do the same.
OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…
