Media Release


Transit New Zealand

Wanganui Office

Media Release  

18 July 2008

SH3 Tangahoe Bridge to get million-dollar widening

The Tangahoe Bridge is set to become much safer following Transit's announcement today that it will soon begin work on a million-dollar project to widen the bridge.

The 66 metre long concrete arch bridge, located on State Highway 3 south of Hawera, was constructed in the 1930s.  Approximately 4,600 vehicles use the bridge each day, including more than 500 milk tankers during the milking season.  The 6.1m wide bridge no longer meets the needs of modern vehicles travelling at 100km/h and is narrower than other bridges on SH3.

 

"Widening the Tangahoe Bridge is a top priority for the region, and it will make a huge difference to motorists' safety and comfort," says Transit regional manager Errol Christiansen.

"Crossing the bridge in a car with a truck in the opposing lane can be quite treacherous, and trucks currently give way to each other as though it were a single lane bridge."

Mr Christiansen says there is no viable alternative route for heavy traffic, and any incident that closed the bridge would result in significant delays.

Road Transport Association Executive Officer Central Area Tom Cloke welcomes the widening of the bridge.

"To have this project up and running is a huge plus for the region," says Mr Cloke.

"It's always been a major concern to have this risk on the southern stretch of SH3. The bridge widening not only improves safety but also adds to route security given there are no alternatives in the event of a closure."

In order to minimise the impact on traffic, the widening of the bridge will progress one side at a time.  The bridge will be reduced to a single lane during construction, with traffic controlled by signals on each approach. 

The work involves removing the existing guardrail from one side of the bridge and cutting off part of the existing bridge deck.  The deck will then be widened and a guardrail will be installed.  This process will then be repeated on the other side of the bridge.  The widened bridge will provide 7.4m of distance between guardrails, making this stretch of highway safer, easier and more efficient to travel on.

"The nature of the project and the constraints of the site means some inconvenience to motorists in the short term is inevitable, but the safety benefits in the long-term are considerable. Transit will be working closely with road users to minimise the effects of these delays, and we appreciate the patience of drivers during the time."

Transit has awarded the physical works contract to Conspec Construction Ltd and construction is scheduled to begin shortly. Completion of the project is expected in early 2009.

For more information please contact:

Errol Christiansen

Regional Manager

Transit New Zealand

06 349 6520

errol.christiansen@transit.govt.nz