Work on the new $25.8 million bridge on State Highway 6 between Greymouth and Kumara Junction has been brought forward as part of the Government’s Accelerated Regional Roading Package.
“The new two-lane bridge will replace the existing single-lane road/rail bridge, providing a safer and more efficient transport link for West Coast locals and for tourists,” says Jim Harland, Southern Regional Director for the Transport Agency.
The new bridge will also incorporate a separate off-road, shared facility for pedestrians and cyclists.
Rail traffic will continue to use the existing bridge, and the realigned road will pass over the existing rail line on an overpass south of the river.
Construction of the new two-lane bridge will get underway next month and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2018.
More information on the project is available on the NZ Transport Agency’s Taramakau Bridge Project page and Taramakau Road/Rail Bridge factsheet.