The replacement of the SH1 Atiamuri Bridge between Taupo and Tokoroa.
The replacement bridge is located about 75 metres upstream of the previous bridge. The bridge provides a wider carriageway of two 3.5m lanes and shoulders between 1.5m-3.5m. It also includes facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. The construction of a northbound passing lane and the realignment of the approach road, removing several low speed curves also enabled the upgrade of the SH1 intersection with SH30.
The replacement of the existing Atiamuri Bridge will improve road safety and ensure route security. It will also support economic development and productivity by assisting with the efficient movement of freight. The SH1 Atiamuri Bridge is part of a significant freight route with high volumes of heavy vehicles.
The Atiamuri Bridge Replacement project involved the construction of a new bridge about 75 metres upstream of where the previous bridge was on State Highway 1 (SH1), South Waikato.
The new bridge opened to traffic on Monday, March 18, 2013.
SH1 is a significant freight route and the new bridge will ensure route security and improve safety, reliability and access along this section of SH1. This will also bring regional and national benefits while stimulating economic growth in this area and New Zealand-wide.
The bridge is located over the Waikato River on SH1, 39 kilometres north of Taupo.
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) awarded the contract for the design and construction of the new Atiamuri Bridge to HEB Construction Ltd in July 2010. Following the completion of the design stage including resource consents, the construction of the replacement bridge began in November 2011. The replacement bridge opened to traffic on Monday, March 18, 2013. The previous bridge was deconstructed in April 2013.
