Upgrades to Colombo Rd Bridge will begin next month. The bridge was reduced to a single lane in February after heavy rains flooded the Waipoua River. PHOTO/MARY ARGUE
Mary Argue
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Five months after heavy rains reduced a Masterton bridge to a single lane, the start date for the $3.8 million upgrades is closer.
Masterton District Council said that repairs to the Colombo Rd Bridge over the Waipoua River would begin next month.
It said the demolition and reconstruction of the southbound lane bridge would be completed by mid-2023.
A council spokesperson said the southbound lane was closed earlier this year after “high river flows further scoured central piers”.
Since February 15, the bridge has operated a northbound lane only, with traffic lights controlling traffic flow.
The council said the first stage of construction would involve moving the sewer pipe from under the bridge, followed by demolition and reconstruction of the old southbound lane.
Waka Kotahi NZTA would foot 57 per cent of the bill.
MDC said the southbound lane bridge was constructed in 1917 and extended in 1939.
It was significantly older than the northbound lane, which was built in the 1970s.
The council said the northbound lane would remain open with traffic lights in place while construction was underway.
It said any disruption to access would be temporary and minimised as much as possible.
