The NZ Trucking Association has welcomed confirmation that work is officially underway on a second bridge over the Ashburton River, calling it a major step forward for freight and transport resilience in Mid Canterbury.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has signed off on the project’s business case and entered into a formal partnership with Ashburton District Council (ADC), clearing the way for construction to begin.
The new 360-metre bridge and embankments, connecting Chalmers Ave to Carters Terrace, will be funded by central government, while the council will fund the local road link from Carters Terrace to Grahams Road. The full project will be managed as a single design-and-build contract, to be tendered later this year.
NZ Trucking Association chief executive David Boyce says the development was a major milestone for the region’s road freight network.
“This is a game-changer for the transport industry in Mid Canterbury. A second bridge will not only improve safety for all road users but also support the economic growth of the region by reducing congestion and delays. We commend Waka Kotahi and ADC for working together to progress this essential project,” he says.
Boyce says the region has faced vulnerability for years due to the reliance on a single crossing point over the Ashburton River.
“The proposed second bridge will provide critical redundancy, ensuring freight and commuter traffic can continue to move safely and efficiently even in times of disruption.”
Around 24,000 vehicles cross the existing bridge on State Highway 1 each day. In 2021, when the bridge was closed by flood damage, freight routes were disrupted across the South Island — with supplies in Dunedin reportedly just three days from running out.
Associate Transport Minister and Minister for the South Island James Meager says the second bridge was vital for the resilience of the national roading network.
“Building this bridge was one of our key commitments at the start of this term and locals will be pleased to see work is moving ahead at pace.”
Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown says the council would soon review concept plans and begin regular oversight meetings during construction.
“I’m excited all the necessary paperwork to get it started is now signed and sealed,” Brown says.
Land for the project was designated in 2014, with property purchases already underway. Physical works are expected to start in 2026.
No updated cost figures were released, though earlier reports estimated the total project cost at around $130 million.
