Bridge work wraps ahead of schedule

Construction on Masterton’s Colombo Rd Bridge over the Waipoua River is now complete, a few months earlier than expected. The original southbound section was first closed due to high river flows from Cyclone Dovi last year, and the council was advised to replace it. The $4.5 million job includes an extra wide footpath and new pedestrian refuge islands on the bridge’s northern side – a route commonly taken by students heading to and from Lakeview School. Masterton Mayor Gary Caffell welcomed the completion of the work and said he was confident the new bridge would prove resilient for years to come. “We know that operating the bridge with a single lane over the past year has been inconvenient for some users, so we appreciate their patience during this work.” PHOTO/MDC