The deck on the single lane bridge across Elephant Hill Stream on State Highway 82, at Ikawai, is to be replaced at a cost of about $60,000 and the road between Waimate and Kurow will be closed during the day.
The New Zealand Transport Agency project would leave the narrow bridge at the same width until the sharp 90deg bend is realigned and the bridge replaced in the next 10 years, regional performance manager Pete Connors said yesterday.
Over the years, the corner has caught out unwary motorists with its sharp bend to the south leading on to the narrow bridge.
While the new decking is being done, SH82 will be closed from Monday between 8.30am and 4pm, but open at weekends and at nights, with speed restrictions.
A 3km detour will be in place. However, this will be on a narrow sealed road and motorists are being asked to take extra care, particularly when passing oncoming vehicles.
The detour route will be along Redcliffs Back Rd and Waihuna Rd, adding a few minutes to journey times during the next three to four weeks.
Motorists travelling up Middle Rd from Glenavy will need to travel back along SH82 towards Waimate to access the detour.
