13 August 2018 | SOUTHERN REGION

The awarding of the design contract marks an important step toward a new two-lane bridge across the Ahaura River on State Highway 7 between Greymouth and Springs Junction, says NZ Transport Agency Portfolio Manager Colin MacKay.

The 86-year-old bridge is one of the last single lane bridges on SH7 in Grey District.

The new bridge will be downstream of the existing one and the road through the township will remain in its current location.

“The design and supervision contract, worth around $1.6 million, has now been awarded to WSP Opus, so work can start on developing the detailed design, further community engagement and consenting processes,” says Mr MacKay. “The first step is land survey and geotechnical testing to fully understand ground conditions. WSP Opus will initially be approaching landowners concerned, ahead of wider community engagement on the new bridge design.”

An open day is planned before the end of this year to update the community on progress with the design and seek feedback.

Construction of this approximately $20 million project could be underway by the second half of 2019.

Last year, the Transport Agency sought community feedback on the potential alignment for a new two-lane bridge. The engagement with the community provided a good initial understanding of the local history and insights into residents’ views, preference and concerns, says Mr MacKay.

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