The NZ Transport Agency says work on three bridges along State Highway 3 between Te Awamutu and Awakino will allow high productivity motor vehicles (HPMV) to carry greater volumes of freight along this section of highway.
This work will be carried out on the Mangapiko Stream bridge just north of Te Awamutu, the Mangaorongo Stream bridge near KioKio Station Road and the Mangaotaki River bridge 15kms south of Piopio.
The bridge strengthening works form part of a national programme by the Transport Agency aimed at opening up more key HPMV routes.
“Because HPMVs carry more freight per trip, they reduce the number of trips needed to improve productivity and cope with increasing freight volumes,” says Regional Performance Manager, Karen Boyt.
The reduction in travel offers significant commercial advantages – including lower vehicle operating costs, driver hours and fuel – as well as safety benefits from the reduced crash risk that fewer truck trips provide.
“With the potential for productivity gains, industry will invest in newer, safer truck combinations to operate on New Zealand’s state highways and roads. These newer trucks tend to be quieter and cleaner than the vehicles they replace, while the fuel savings mean reduced carbon emissions for each tonne of freight moved,” she says.
This work will be carried out on the Mangapiko Stream bridge just north of Te Awamutu, the Mangarongo Stream bridge near KioKio Station Road and the Mangaotaki River bridge 15kms south of Piopio.
Ms Boyt says delays to motorists will be kept to a minimum during this work.
For more information please contact:
Glenda Dobbyn
Media Manager
Waikato and Bay of Plenty region
NZ Transport Agency
T: 07 928 7908
M: 021 021 67217
E: glenda.dobbyn@nzta.govt.nz
