The Elephant Hill and Waihao River North bridges on State Highway 82 are set to be replaced within the next three years as part of a broader investment plan by NZ Transport Waka Kotahi.
These projects aim to improve the efficiency, resilience, and safety of the state highway network over the coming years.
They are two of nine priority replacements. The new bridge at Elephant Hill will add an additional lane and improve the alignment with the tight bend on the southern side. The Waihao River Bridge has had several smaller upgrades, but the piling system has now reached the end of its life cycle.
Mayor Craig Rowley welcomed the news, emphasising the significance of the route for both the district and the wider region.
"This is a key route connecting us with the lakes and tourist areas such as Central Otago and the Waimate Lakes Camping, while also serving local traffic and freight from the high-country parts of our district," he said.
“It would have a disastrous impact if either bridge failed, so the more we can future-proof them the better.”
The investment is part of a comprehensive strategy to maintain, operate, renew, and enhance New Zealand’s state highways, ensuring their reliability for the future.
