The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) will start repairs next week on a pier affected by scouring that resulted in the night time closures of the Waitaki Bridges on State Highway (SH82) on Thursday and Friday of last week.
Floodlighting was installed last Saturday by the Agency allowing around-the-clock monitoring of scouring of the pier, meaning the bridges could stay open at nights.
NZTA Canterbury Highways Operations Manager Peter Connors says contractors expect to commence piling on Monday 21st November. There will be closures of up to 10 minutes from 9 am to 12pm and 1pm to 3 pm, then again from 4 pm to 5pm Monday to Friday through to 16 December 2011.
“The work to secure the pier involves driving four piles and reconnecting the existing pier to the new foundations. This technique was successfully used earlier this year to secure another bridge pier.”
Mr Connors said monitoring of scouring at the pier would continue around- the-clock ensuring the bridges remains open and safe while the underpinning is completed.
“We understand that the bridges provide a vital transport link for the community, and we are acting now to get this work completed ahead of the Christmas-New Year holiday period. The NZTA appreciates the patience of the community during the two overnight closures of the Bridges last week and while this under pinning work is carried out.”
