Transport Minister Simon Bridges was on site yesterday, spade in hand, for the symbolic turning of the first sod, marking the start of the $26million project, which will replace the last road-rail bridge in New Zealand. The bridge is part of State Highway 6, crossing the Taramakau River, just north of Kumara Junction.
"The Government promised it would do it and thanks to Bill English, using crown money which he ticked off as finance minister, the project is under way," Mr Bridges said.
It is part of the Government’ accelerated regional roading package announced in 2014 to speed up the delivery of transport projects considered important to regions.
"It’s a big project, very important for local people, freight, tourism and regional development," Mr Bridges said.
Principal contractor Fulton Hogan will move on site next month and will have the new bridge completed later in 2018.
"We couldn’t expect our guys to start before Christmas but will begin early new year," chief executive Robert Jones told the Greymouth Star.
"It’s absolutely great for the Coast, with local people fully involved," Mr Jones said.
"It’s going to be great for the local community as we will have a workforce of 50, mainly locals.
"Our heavy civil staff from away will be involved with the project management, with all the work being done by predominantly local staff, including local contractors," Mr Jones said.
The existing bridge will be retained by Kiwi Rail as a solely rail bridge.
An overpass will be built at the southern approach to the new bridge to carry state highway traffic over the railway line.
- Paul McBride
