Bridge replacement work resumes
A construction project aimed to reduce the number of crashes on a notoriously narrow bridge in Waikato is on track for completion.
Construction started on the Mangawhero Stream Bridge along State Highway 27 in March 2021, but it closed in January this year so a new 80-metre-long three span bridge could be built and the road realigned to make it safer.
The existing stream bridge, built in 1934, is classified highrisk – the bridge is narrow and there are unexpected dips and curves in the road leading up to it.
There have been 29 crashes in the last 10 years, two people have died and two more seriously injured since 2012.
The project is part of the Road to Zero programme that is underway to prevent people from dying or being seriously injured on rural roads, Waka Kotahi regional manager infrastructure delivery Jo Wilton said.
While the highway is closed, traffic is being diverted along SH29, Hopkins and Hinuera roads, adding around 3.7km to a journey between Tīrau and Matamata. The project is on track to open on April 14.
The new road will be 1.4 metres lower than the existing road, so a 200m section of SH27 needs to be cut down and rebuilt.
The bridge beams are now in place and the main milestone for the construction team this month is laying concrete for the bridge deck, Wilton said.
Truckies have been calling on the agency to widen the road for years, but in 2014, it said the bridge was adequate for the amount of traffic it handles.
At the time, NZTA Waikato/ Bay of Plenty state highway manager Kaye Clark said the agency believed the Mangawhero Bridge was of a reasonable width.
‘‘Like many bridges of this size and age across our region, the Mangawhero Stream Bridge on SH27 is capable of carrying the existing volume of traffic in this area. Traffic flows on this stretch of highway are unlikely to change significantly in the foreseeable future.’’ she told Stuff at the time.