Deconstruction of the old Kakanui Bridge begins this week. PHOTO: SUPPLIED.

The Waitaki District Council is urging locals not to take ‘‘souvenirs’’ from the old Kakanui Bridge as deconstruction work begins.

The site will be fenced off and contain ‘‘significant hazards’’ while contractor Specialised Services Group (SSG) removes the bridge to make way for a boat ramp, downstream of the new $10.6 million Kākaunui Bridge.

In a release, the council said while it and ‘‘SSG recognise local attachment to the bridge — please do not enter the site and attempt to remove souvenirs’’.

The deconstruction contract was awarded to SSG, which was the lowest bid of around $256,765 (excluding GST).

The firm’s proposal offered the ‘‘best value’’ to the ratepayer, the council said, as it included removal of the bridge as well as recovery and resale of the main timber components.