Bridge replacements by Foxton under way
A $70 million replacement of two vital bridges near Foxton is under way.
The Manawatu River Bridge and the Whirokino Trestle Bridge, just south of Foxton on State Highway 1, were built to outdated standards, according to the NZ Transport Agency.
The bridges are being replaced so that vehicles weighing more than 44 tonnes can use them, instead of going on a 14-kilometre detour.
After delays in summer, the project is now in full swing, with a staging bridge being constructed across the Manawatu River.
NZ Transport Agency regional transport systems manager Ross I’anson said the staging bridge would enable access to build across the river.
‘‘The staging bridge has been designed to carry the weight of a 100-tonne crane, concrete trucks and dumpers.’’
The Whirokino Trestle Bridge would be replaced with a new bridge over the Moutoa floodway, a new bridge over the Manawatu River and a large earth embankment to connect the two, I’anson said.
There would also be an intersection upgrade between the two bridges, where Whirokino Rd and Matakarapa Rd meet SH1, he said.
The project is due to be finished in May 2020. Horowhenua District Council communications adviser Kelvin Teixeira said the new structure would be safer and it improve travel within Horowhenua.
‘‘This will enhance the journey for those travelling by car, but it will also reduce travel times for heavy vehicles and improve the route for cyclists.’’