The New Zealand Defence Force are pitching in with the effort to rebuild the Waiho River Bailey bridge, which was washed away by floodwaters last week.
Eighteen army engineers have joined the project, working alongside construction company Downer, and NZ Transport Agency system manager Pete Connors believed their experience would help ensure the bridge was constructed as soon as possible.
"Having Army engineers working with the Downer team means we have highly experienced Bailey bridge construction people on this project to ensure there will be no delays when we are ready to launch the bridge from the south side to the north," he said.
Commanding officer of the 2nd Engineer Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Terry McDonald, said it was "great to contribute our professional expertise to support Government agencies in responding to communities that need our assistance".
Downer's South Island general manager Scott Ford said collaboration was the key to getting the network reconnected.
"We have the right people on the ground to get the job done as safely and as quickly as possible."
NZTA has extended the timeline for the bridge replacement to April 12, which includes rebuilding the damaged pier on the north side, rebuilding the damaged abutments on each side of the river and safely removing the spans of the bridge which were not washed away last week.
