A decision about when a project to replace the 132-year-old twin bridges between Kurow and Hakataramea will get funding will not be made until September, according to the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).
Following strong lobbying for the project from Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean, Transport Minister Stephen Joyce confirmed in October last year funding for two new bridges, the cost of which has been estimated at between $15 million and $20 million, would be included in the NZTA budget.
However, NZTA southern regional director Jim Harland said last week the timing of construction would be determined by "funding priorities."
Mr Harland said McConnell-Dowell had been awarded the contract to design and construct two bridges to replace the single-lane structures, which have a 20kmh speed limit, but funds for the project had yet to be confirmed.
"The New Zealand Transport Agency is currently working on the design of the bridges, in order to be in a position to begin construction when funding becomes available.
"The timing of construction will be determined by funding priorities in the 2012-15 National Land Transport Programme [NLTP], which is currently being prepared and will be announced in September."
Environment Canterbury regional transport committee chairman Rex Williams said he was confident funding would be included in the programme, and added construction of the bridges was "likely" to start in 2013.
"The Waitaki bridges is the only new project to start in NZTA's large project category nationwide, so it is a high priority for NZTA."
