Wellington Regional Office
Media Release

20 October 2005

Waiohine Bridge Replacement Contract Awarded

Transit New Zealand is pleased to be able to announce that Fulton-Hogan Limited has been successful in winning the contact to construct the replacement Waiohine River Bridge on State Highway 2 between Carterton and Greytown, at a cost of just under $4.27M and below the engineer's contract estimate.

Transit Wellington regional manager, Graham Taylor, said construction of the longer replacement bridge is expected to commence next month and would take about a year to complete. Transit, the Greater Wellington Regional Council, and the South Wairarapa and Carterton district councils are all contributing to the cost of the project.

"Building a longer bridge will mean that the waterway is less restricted which will greatly reduce the risk of overtopping of the riverbanks, and flooding of the surrounding countryside," said Mr Taylor.

"While much of the focus lately has been on the Western Corridor, this project demonstrates what can be achieved when a number of local bodies work together. This is a significant project for the Wellington region and we appreciate the support of local government in getting it underway," said Mr Taylor.

The existing bridge is narrow, making it uncomfortable and potentially hazardous for motorists and especially trucks to pass each other. It is also at risk from earthquakes and scour during flooding, which is unacceptable for a strategic highway which carries, on average, over 8,000 vehicles per day of which almost 1,000 are heavy commercial vehicles.

The new bridge will be 93metres long and 10.6metres wide, and will be built about 10metres downstream from the current bridge. There will be additional width for cyclists on each side, making it considerably safer than the present bridge.

Transit is also taking the opportunity to improve the access into the nearby Maori cemetery and the Wairarapa Aggregates crushing plant. Landscaping work will incorporate a historic tollgate that was first used on the Waiohine Bridge from 1872 to 1880. The gate was restored by the local branch of the Historic Places Trust, and until recently stood in the south-west corner of Carrington Park in Carterton.

ENDS

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