The Government has confirmed Ōtorohanga will see three significant bridge projects happening in the second half of this year.
The Mangaorongo Bridge on State Highway 3 near Ōtorohanga will be repaired after flood damage earlier this year, with NZTA also strengthening the riverbank to help protect the bridge from future floods, Transport Minister, Chris Bishop, confirmed.
“On State Highway 39, Symes Bridge over the Moakurarua Stream will be repaired from early July after the February storm caused significant erosion underneath the bridge. This stage of the work should take around 5 weeks to complete,” he said.
“Later this year, the deck and beams will be replaced. Together, these components form the bridge’s superstructure, and replacing them will provide a wider, more resilient and safer structure.
“Further north on SH39, a temporary single-lane Acrow bridge replaced the Mangati Bridge in March after the original bridge was destroyed in the February flood.”
The Minister said a permanent bridge is still a priority and NZTA is currently running a tender process for a two-lane replacement.
“This is about fixing the basics and making sure these critical routes stay open and reliable for the communities and businesses that depend on them,” said Mr Bishop.
