The preferred option is to create a new two-lane bridge to the west of the existing bridge for vehicular traffic with pedestrians and cyclists using the existing bridge.
As part of our investigations, we developed a long list of all possible options to address the two problems. Thirteen separate options were investigated and assessed, including a do-nothing option, using a variety of criteria.
Taking into account all of the information investigated to date, including stakeholder, iwi, and affected landowner feedback, the preferred option is to build a new 10.8m wide bridge. This will operate as a full two-lane highway and cater for on-road cyclists with a 1.5m wide shoulder on each side.
We expect to keep the existing bridge and will continue to investigate its future use as a pedestrian and cycle only facility.
A western alignment (upstream) has the least impact on surrounding properties, provides better pedestrian and cyclist access, and requires less property acquisition.
This option resolves the identified problems and meets all criteria for vehicular traffic.
It is estimated to cost between $14 and $17.5 million.
Benefits of investment
The specific benefits of investing to address the Opawa Bridge’s identified problems (including weightings) are:
- Benefit 1 (70%): Increased throughput of freight and light vehicles and greater certainty of state highway journey
- Benefit 2 (30%): Greater structural resilience to natural hazard events, resulting in increased availability and access.