Fate Of Canterbury Bridge Hangs In The Balance

Friday, 4 April 2025, 8:45 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Time is running out to replace an earthquake damaged bridge on the Waiau Toa Clarence River, as a sunset clause on funding looms.

The Kaikōura District Council has lodged a new resource consent application with Environment Canterbury to build a new bridge at the original site of the Glen Alton bridge, which was destroyed in the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2016.

But the ultimate fate of the bridge could depend on a Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency board meeting in May.

The agency approved a 95 percent subsidy to build a new $13.5m bridge after the 2016 earthquake, but it has a sunset clause to the end of June this year.

The Clarence Valley is home to several properties, including forestry blocks, some large hill country properties and Department of Conservation land.

For now access in and out is via Waipapa Road, Wharekiri Stream and a paper road through several properties.

But the Wharekiri Stream is prone to flooding in heavy rain events and can be impassable for up to two weeks. Access is by four-wheel-drive only.

Council chief executive Will Doughty said costs have also escalated due to inflation.

‘‘We have made provision for the local share in the Long Term Plan, on the basis of NZTA’s commitment.

‘‘But if the level of support was to change, the council will have to cross that bridge if it comes to that’’.

A resource consent application was previously lodged to build a bridge at a different site 500 metres upstream from the original site, but this was opposed by Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura on cultural grounds.

As the council was unable to obtain written approval from the Rūnanga prior to submitting the new consent application, Mr Doughty said he anticipated it would need to be at least a limited notification.

The council will need to acquire land for an access road to the new bridge and negotiations with the landowner are progressing, Mr Doughty said.

‘‘The land acquisition could be an 18 month process, but hopefully it will be sooner.

‘‘As soon as we can complete the land acquisition we can start work on the bridge.’’

Mr Doughty said he was unable to give an updated cost estimate, but said the tender from the council’s contractor, Contract Structures Ltd, has been independently reviewed.

‘‘All our project costs will be higher in line with inflationary increases.’’

Around $3m has been spent on the project to date, with 95% funded by NZTA and 5% from ratepayers.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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