Kakanui Bridge replacement work to get underway
Published on 01 April 2025
The replacement of the 126-year-old Kakanui Bridge will get underway this week, following the award of contract to Concrete Structures (NZ) Ltd. The total cost of the bridge replacement will be $11.06 million, funded 57% by NZTA and 43% by Waitaki District Council.
The replacement bridge will be a fully concrete structure, creating a single-lane suitable for heavy goods vehicles, as well as separated pedestrian/cycle path. It will be built upstream of the current bridge, and the road will be aligned on both sides. This will involve the closure of the current boat ramp to allow construction.
The current Kakanui Bridge will remain in place until construction is completed on its replacement, when it will be deconstructed. It is hoped that timbers from the current bridge can be reused in the community, although that will depend on their condition once deconstructed. A replacement boat ramp will be built at the site of the old Kakanui bridge abutment, as part of the project.
The Kakanui Bridge is part of the SH1 resilience route, and by replacing and upgrading the bridge, this will ensure alternative options should State Highway 1 be affected by flooding or other incidents.
This will be the third Kakanui Bridge built at this location, with the first opening in 1871 and lasting 28 years. The second was opened on October 11 1899, by the then Waitaki County Council Chairman Mr D. Sutherland.
A descendent of Mr Sutherland is one of the landowners who is working with Council on the bridge renewal project.
Chief Executive Alex Parmley says: “This project helps us improve resilience of our roading network. The design will help avoid closures in major weather events due to slash and debris buildup. I would like to thank the team who have been working on the Kakanui Bridge project, delivering a vital and long needed infrastructure upgrade for the community.”
Waitaki District Council and contractors will be keeping Kakanui locals, and the wider Kakanui community, updated on any potential closures which may take place during the construction phase. Work will begin in April 2025 and the new bridge is expected to be opened in mid-2026.
ENDS