MEDIA RELEASE

Monday 18 October 2010

Kopane bridge to be replaced

A new $4 million bridge is being built in Kopane as part of a project to help protect the community from major floods.

Horizons Regional Council yesterday approved the construction of a new bridge at Kopane to overcome a narrow point in the Oroua River prone to flooding.

Horizons group manager of operations Allan Cook said that the new bridge, which will cost approximately $4.3 million, will alleviate the pressure on the Kopane section of the river during floods.

“Until the constriction in the river is removed, the neighbouring community will continue to be at risk of floods. We considered a number of methods to overcome this constriction and have determined that the best way is to widen the river channel and build a new bridge, higher and longer than the existing.”

The new bridge will allow for the passage of the river underneath it during a 100 year flood which has a 1% chance of happening in any given year. Stopbanks have also been raised and upgraded upstream and downstream of the bridge.

While the new bridge is primarily required for flood protection, Manawatu District Council will help fund the project to the sum of $500,000 in recognition of the additional life and safety features of the structure.

“As well as reducing the flood risk we are improving road safety for commuters who use the bridge. The new bridge will be significantly wider making it safer for motorists and cyclists alike,” said Mr Cook.

Higgins Contractors Ltd has been awarded the tender and Mr Cook expects that the new bridge will be completed by April 2012.

ENDS

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