Believed to be one of only about half a dozen left in New Zealand, the hardwood and iron railway bridge was closed after it fell into disrepair.
An Opus engineer's report estimated it could cost more than $250,000 to repair, but the Friendly Bay Railway Bridge Restoration Trust is doing the job.
Trust member Allan McLay estimated that with volunteer labour and contributed materials, it could be restored for about $50,000.
Oamaru builders have made a great voluntary contribution already and Mr McLay hoped Oamaru painters would have the same response when approached to help.
The 12m-long 3.4-tonne steel middle structure was removed in early March and had been repaired, rustproofed and coated by Gillies Metaltech, before being craned by De Geest back into place yesterday.
Weather and labour permitting, Mr McLay hoped the restoration would be finished by the end of next month.
