To improve safety on single lane bridges, guardrails will be installed (or upgraded) on four – possibly five – single-lane bridges on the West Coast state highway network.
Te Tai o Poutini West Coast has the greatest number of single lane bridges in New Zealand, with around 50 on the state highway network.
Installing or upgrading guardrails on priority give way single lane bridges will reduce the risk of run-off road crashes leading to fatalities at these locations.
The single-lane bridges proposed for safety upgrades are SH73 Taipo River (timber railing), SH6 Mikonui River (timber railing), SH6 Wanganui River (timber rail and approach guardrail), SH6 Moeraki River and Whakapohai River (both pipe rail).
The bridges to receive upgrades will be confirmed once project works and costs are finalised.
This project is supported by the Government’s NZ Upgrade Programme, which includes increasing safety and resilience of South Island regional roads.
NZ Upgrade Programme regional package
NZ Upgrade on South Island roads(external link) – Beehive statement, 28 February 2020
Map of locations where guardrails are proposed to be installed or upgraded on single lane bridges:
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| March–December 2020 | Design completed for all bridges |
| August 2020 | Construction contract for SH73 Taipo River Bridge awarded |
| December 2020 | Construction complete on SH73 Taipo River Bridge |
| January 2021 | Construction contracts awarded for remaining bridges |
| December 2021 | Project completion |
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