New phase for Hihi bridge project

Work to build a temporary crossing for Hihi traffic while the existing bridge is repaired is expected to begin next week.

Geotechnical investigations are now complete, with contractors moving in to begin building the temporary bridge at the site 500m south of the Hihi Road/Taemaro intersection.

Once the temporary crossing is in place, the existing bridge deck will be cut into pieces, removed and replaced with a new concrete deck and new guard rail.

The decision to build a temporary crossing was taken after an alternative option to upgrade a nearby road as a detour route was ruled out due to costs.

The project is expected to be finished in early December although some aspects of the project are weather dependent.

Once completed, traffic will be rerouted back over the permanent bridge, the temporary crossing will be removed, and the affected areas will be reinstated.

Caption: The original Hihi crossing is undergoing repair.