Construction is set to begin next month on the Ōtaki River Bridge shared path.
Jetesh Bhula, Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery, says the project is the result of close collaboration with the local Council, community, and various stakeholder groups.
“It will ensure walkers, cyclists, and locals using old State Highway 1 have a safe way to cross the bridge.”
“Separating walking and cycling paths from the road is the best and safest option as it reduces the likelihood of pedestrians and cyclists being at risk from live traffic,” Mr Bhula says.
From Monday, August 12, stop/go traffic management will be in place during the build. A temporary lower speed limit of 30 km/h will also be in place.
Mr Bhula says every effort has been made to minimise the impact on traffic.
“We appreciate this is an important road and connection for the community. This is why we will keep one lane of the bridge open at all times and under stop/go traffic management while the project is underway.”
“Drivers can expect delays of no more than four to six minutes during peak hour traffic while the work takes place,” Mr Bhula says
The new shared path will be attached to the existing road bridge and requires two new foundations (abutments) on either side of the river. Steel brackets will be attached to the 14 existing bridge piers, and the 15 bridge truss sections, comprising high-strength fibreglass, will span the 220-metre length.
To construct the foundations, the southbound lane of the bridge must be closed 24/7, under stop/go traffic management. This ensures traffic is safely separated from excavation work.
The work to install foundations is expected to be completed in December, and the shared path will be completed by February 2025. The wider shared path, through Ōtaki town is expected to be completed by mid-2025.
Stop/go traffic management will be removed ahead of Christmas. This means the road is expected to be fully open for the summer holiday period.
Work crews have been on site since the end of July working to install temporary traffic lights at both ends of the bridge.
More information about the project can be found on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website:
