Coromandel locals have had an early Christmas present with confirmation State Highway 25A will re-open in December.
Waka Kotahi confirmed on Monday afternoon State Highway 25A between Kōpū and Hikuai will re-open to traffic three months ahead of schedule.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Regional Manager of Infrastructure Delivery for Waikato/Bay of Plenty Jo Wilton said the route will re-open by December 20 now the decking is complete on the new bridge.
The new bridge is 124 meters long and spans the abyss that severed the highway in late January.
"Our team has done an amazing job, not only constructing the new bridge in record time, but at the same time we've invested an additional $25 million to enable multiple crews to clear slips, replace the original undersized culvert, and undertake crucial road maintenance work along the rest of the length of SH25A to ensure the whole corridor is up to scratch, safe and more resilient," Wilton said.
"Getting this maintenance work completed now also means we can avoid further work and disruption for drivers during the busy summer period."
It will be welcome news for locals and businesses ahead of what should be a busy summer period.
"We know how difficult the highway closure has been on local families, businesses, schools and communities and the impact it's had on visitors to the region," Wilton said.
"That's why, along with our builders, McConnell Dowell and Fulton Hogan JV, we've pulled out all the stops to deliver the fastest and most resilient solution for the Coromandel."
Construction only began in June after the Government committed to provide funds to Waka Kotahi for an estimated $30-40 million, which was later revised to $50 million.
"With the build beginning in June, getting it open in less than seven months is a huge achievement given a bridge of this type would normally take 12 to 14 months to construct," Wilton said.
"We've built the bridge in record time by accelerating our work programme, with teams working 24-hour shifts both on-site and offsite at Eastbridge in Napier, where the steel girders were manufactured.
With finishing works still ongoing, the bridge will open under traffic management at a reduced speed, Wilton said.
"The project team will be completing drainage and planting, so the project won't be fully complete for a few more months. This work won't require the road to be closed, though traffic management will be required from time to time," Wilton said.
The cost of the bridge is expected to be approximately $43 million, under the $50 million estimate.
