Two temporary bridges on the alternative state highway route between Picton and Christchurch will improve safety and reduce travel times while repairs to State Highway 1 are underway.
The new Bailey bridges (temporary steel structures) have been installed alongside permanent one-way bridges at Upper Buller and Homestead Creek west of St Arnaud, allowing traffic to flow safely in both directions at all times.
A third duplicate Bailey bridge has also been installed at Speargrass Creek and will open to traffic later this month.
This installation will eliminate delays from waiting to use the single-lane bridges at these two locations, keeping all traffic moving.
The alternative state highway route has been coping with a significant increase in traffic volumes since the November 14 Kaikoura earthquake according to transport minister Simon Bridges.
“Providing duplicate bridges at these three pinch points will help to improve safety and reduce delays for everyone using the road,” says Bridges.
“While work is continuing at a pace to restore State Highway 1 between Picton and Christchurch, it’s vital we ensure that people can travel safely on the alternate route through Murchison and the Lewis Pass,” he says.
The minister is expecting the restoration of State Highway 1 will be complete within the next 12 months.
