Lane and road closures as Wainuiomata summit bridge enters final phase of construction

Construction of the Wainuiomata summit bridge is nearing its final phase, with installation of the bridge structure set for the start of October.

The 43m long structure is being constructed in Napier and will be transported in three parts. Installation is scheduled for the early hours of 1 October, with a back-up date of 2 October for poor weather.

Wainuiomata bound traffic will be down to one lane from 7pm on 30 September for the set-up of the crane.

There will be a complete road closure in both directions from 12.30am-1.30am on 1 October, while the bridge is lifted into position. There will be no vehicle access over the hill during this time, except for emergency vehicles.

Notice has been issued via the electronic signage at both ends of the Wainuiomata Hill Road and on the Council website.

Divisional Manager Road and Traffic, Ron Muir says, “We are aiming for minimal disruption and we appreciate people’s understanding.

“The project is near its completion and we’re looking forward to seeing the improvement to walk and cycle access between Wainuiomata and the wider Hutt Valley.”

The new bridge is a pierless over-road walkway designed to provide a safe and accessible place for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the busy Wainuiomata Hill Road.

About 70 percent of the onsite work is now complete, with the foundation and earthworks ready for the installation of the bridge and connection to cycle and walk tracks.

The construction of the bridge is phase one in the Wainuiomata cycleway project, which received $1.5m from the Government's $100 million urban cycleway fund. The project will provide a shared cycling and pedestrian path connecting Wainuiomata with the wider Hutt Valley.

ENDS

© Scoop Media