RIF funding to support replacement of key regional bridges and culverts

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will deliver the programme, including managing the funding, detailed design, consenting and construction.

The projects were selected based on regional need, delivery readiness, resilience and safety benefits, and their ability to enter design and consenting within 6 months. 

Construction is expected to begin from 2027 and be completed within 2 years, subject to approvals and property requirements.

The approved projects include:

Piraunui Stream Bridge, Waikato: $5 million

Parts of Piraunui Stream Bridge are almost a century old. The project will replace the bridge on State Highway 26, providing a safer and more resilient connection for road users.

Albert Burn Bridge, Otago: $3.5 million

Albert Burn Bridge on State Highway 6 is about 140 years old and relies on heritage dry-stone abutments with limited seismic resilience. Further deterioration or earthquake damage could require closure of the route and a 52-kilometre diversion.

Deep Creek Bridge, South Canterbury: $7.5 million

Deep Creek Bridge on State Highway 82 carries around 1,850 vehicles a day and supports local travel, freight and agricultural activity. Significant deterioration, including major cracking in a pier, means replacement is a more effective long-term solution than continued repairs.

Haynes Bridge, Manawatū-Whanganui: $6.5 million

Haynes Bridge on State Highway 54 is an ageing single-lane crossing with deteriorating structural elements, inadequate roadside protection and a significant crash history. If the bridge requires closure, road users could face a diversion of about 59 kilometres.

Whenuariki Stream Culvert, Taranaki: $5 million

The century-old hand-dug culvert has already experienced partial collapse, with erosion continuing toward the highway. Failure could cause major disruption on State Highway 45, with heavy vehicles facing diversions of up to 133 kilometres.

Toko Stream Tributary Culvert, Taranaki: $2.5 million

The culvert has severe corrosion and deformation and is estimated to have around 2 years of remaining life. Failure could result in closure of State Highway 43 and a diversion of approximately 50 kilometres.

Funding package

The 6 bridge and culvert projects are estimated to cost $30 million. A further $7.5 million contingency has been included to manage risks associated with final design, consenting, property acquisition, delivery timing, severe weather, and escalation in labour and material costs.

The $37.5 million of RIF funding for the bridge replacement programme has been transferred to NZTA. Following this transfer, the value of the fund administered by Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit will be reported as $1.1625 billion (down from the original $1.2 billion).