The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) advises that a 50km/h speed restriction will remain on the Atiamuri Bridge, between Taupo and Tokoroa on State Highway 1, until the new replacement bridge is constructed.
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) advises that a 50km/h speed restriction will remain on the Atiamuri Bridge, between Taupo and Tokoroa on State Highway 1, until the new replacement bridge is constructed.
The replacement of the Atiamuri Bridge is a top priority for the NZTA and investigation for the new structure is now well underway. Construction of the new bridge is expected to commence by early 2011, and it is expected to take around 18 months to build.
In the meantime NZTA plans to keep the existing bridge in optimum order by retaining the lower speed limit over the structure. Some further traffic control measures, such as the new centre line markers, have also been introduced, to continue to encourage motorists to slow down.
NZTA State Highway Manager Kaye Clark says the speed restriction reduces the loading impact on the aging 50-year-old bridge, which means that it will retain its structural integrity until it can be replaced.
Mrs Clark says, "NZTA has implemented a proactive monitoring programme for the Atiamuri Bridge, which ensures that any required maintenance work is carried out as needed. This maintenance program in conjunction with the speed restriction enables the bridge to continue to handle the heavy traffic on this busy stretch of state highway until the new bridge is completed."
The 50km/h speed restriction was initially put in place as a temporary measure after major strengthening work was carried out on the bridge earlier this year. NZTA has since decided that the 50km/h speed restriction should remain in place to keep the bridge in the best possible condition for its age until the new bridge is built.
For more information please contact:
Julie Hannam
Regional Communications Advisor
T +64 7 958 7238
M +64 27 294 2649
www.nzta.govt.nz
