Media Release


Transit New Zealand

Media release

8 May 2008  10:30am

Work Starts on Replacement Arahura Road Rail Bridge

Work officially started today on building the replacement Arahura road / rail bridge, a project that will preserve an important transport link for the West Coast.

Jointly funded by ONTRACK and Land Transport New Zealand, the new bridge will replace the original 120-year old, single-lane structure, which is nearing the end of its serviceable life. The new bridge will include a two lane link for State Highway 6.

Speaking at a sod turning ceremony to mark the official start of work on the project, ONTRACK Chairman Cam Moore said the new bridge will ensure there is an efficient transport link for the local community into the future.

'The bridge is the only direct route between Hokitika and Greymouth for road traffic. It also serves the Hokitika Branch Railway Line, with trains travelling daily to and from the Westland Milk Products dairy factory,' Cam Moore said.

'Reconstruction of the Arahura Bridge, as well as the obvious improvements to public safety, will provide a more efficient rail link to and from the local dairy factory. This is one of a number of projects in the South Island where ONTRACK has been focusing on improving reliability and increasing capacity to enable more freight to be carried by rail.'

'It will improve public safety by separating road, rail and pedestrian / cycle traffic. The new design will also include river guide-banks which will protect the bridge by reducing flood and erosion risks.

'To recognise the historic significance of the existing bridge, we will retain one of the original timber truss spans to incorporate into the small heritage park planned near the new bridge.'

Transit New Zealand general manager network operations Roly Frost said the Arahura Bridge has, for more than 100 years, been the vital link for the West Coast and part of State Highway 6 and Transit viewed the replacement as an important step for meeting that link for the future.

'Transit appreciates working with ONTRACK where we have used a 'whole of government' approach to get to this point where we are today turning the first sod.'

HEB Structures has been contracted to build the new 220 metre long bridge, which is due to be completed in 2010. It will consist of nine steel and concrete spans and 20 concrete piles. Work will be planned in stages to keep State Highway 6 open throughout construction.

ONTRACK is leading the bridge construction and Transit is responsible for the road approaches. The total cost of the bridge, including road and rail works, will be $25 - $28 million.

Issued by ONTRACK
Media Contact: Ruth Larsen
Communications Advisor
04 498 5290
021 804 906