When is a brand-new bridge not brand new? When components are salvaged saving substantial money on the rebuild cost. Repurposing steel piles from the Waitaki Bridges and refurbishing existing beams and deck spans will breathe new life into Farm Road Bridge in the lower Hakataramea Valley. Work is due to start in mid-June.
On-site work will start with upgrading the existing parts that can be re-used and then the rest of the bridge will be removed. Next, the repurposed piles will be driven, and the beams and deck spans installed. New handrails will complete the bridge, and the road approach will be aligned to the new deck level.
Work is expected to take four to five weeks. The bridge will be closed for around two weeks with a river ford crossing available to road users. The closure date will be advertised when known.
The work will be carried out by three contractors. Recreation Construction Ltd for the work on the upgrade of the structure, Washington Drilling Ltd for the pile driving and Rooney Earthmoving Ltd for the site works.
