Construction has officially started on the long-awaited second Ashburton Bridge, a major infrastructure project aimed at improving transport connections and resilience in Mid Canterbury.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop and South Island Minister James Meager announced work is now underway on the new crossing over the Ashburton/Hakatere River.
The project, being delivered by the New Zealand Transport Agency in partnership with the Ashburton District Council, is part of the Government’s Roads of Regional Significance programme.
The new bridge and connecting road will span 2.46 kilometres and include two traffic lanes, on-road cycle facilities and a shared walking and cycling path. The crossing will be built about 700 metres downstream from the existing State Highway 1 bridge and will provide a second route between Tinwald and Ashburton.
Bishop said the project would ease pressure on the current crossing, which carries around 24,000 vehicles each day, while supporting economic growth and improving travel for commuters, freight operators and tourists moving through the South Island.
Meager said the additional crossing would also strengthen the resilience of the transport network by providing an alternative route during crashes, emergencies or severe weather events that disrupt SH1.
The project includes two new roundabouts, new intersections and road connections linking Chalmers Avenue, Carters Terrace and Grahams Road. Preparatory works have already been carried out, including geotechnical investigations, ecological work, tree removal, access road construction and establishing areas for heavy machinery.
Fletcher Construction has been confirmed as the lead contractor after assisting with the detailed design phase of the project in recent months.
The second Ashburton Bridge is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, with the total project cost estimated at between $134 million and $144 million.
Great stuff now do the Rakaia bridge (leave the old one – it’s gorgeous) as that bridge really gives me the heeby jeebys crossing it!!!!! So narrow it freaks me out!
What I meant was build a big new Rakaia bridge but also preserve the old one for historical purposes. Could be a tourist attraction? The Rakaia really is a beautiful river.