"Work has recommenced in the new year using traffic signals to manage traffic where safe sight distances are not available," a Waitaki District Council statement said.
"The first week of traffic light operation has worked well and is allowing the contractor to maintain a safe and productive worksite.
"Progress over the past week has been encouraging and as a result we now expect the period of full road closure later in the project to be shorter than originally planned."
The new road alignment for the bridge approach is being built over the top of the existing road, meaning the old bridge cannot remain open during the work, which will involve excavation of the existing road and raising the new road 1.5m above the existing level on both approaches.
The new closure dates are from Monday, March 2, to Wednesday, March 25, a council spokesperson said.
"Pedestrians, cyclists and emergency services will still be able to use the bridge during this shortened closure period," the person said.
"Contractors had originally planned for a six-week closure beginning Wednesday, February 11, to transfer power, water, sewage and fibreoptic services to the replacement bridge and construct the new road connections and stormwater."
Its total cost of $11.06million is 57% funded by the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, and 43% by the Waitaki District Council.
Before Christmas, Waitaki District Mayor Melanie Tavendale confirmed the project was ahead of schedule and under budget.
Waitaki MP Miles Anderson said seeing Kakanui’s new bridge being delivered ahead of time and under budget was a great credit to the Waitaki District Council and the contractors involved.
Concrete Structures NZ was responsible for the build.
"There has been a lot of hard work and long hours for the crews building this bridge. Their commitment to getting the job done and good management from the Waitaki District Council overseeing the project is something all involved can be proud of," Mr Anderson said.
"When it comes to public infrastructure projects, hearing the words ‘ahead of time and under budget’ can be a rarity, so it’s incredibly pleasing to see this project being handled so well.
"I also want to thank the local Kakanui community who have been incredibly patient throughout the build.
"There are just a few more hurdles to jump over as roads are connected to the bridge, then we’ll have a great new piece of infrastructure for all to use," he said.
