The Hinahina Bridge near Owaka was brought to the council’s attention during long-term plan submissions in 2015, after its dilapidated state began causing concern for local residents.
After extended investigations, the council proposed earlier this year to replace rather than repair the 110m bridge, to reduce overall long-term costs.
Contractors successfully carried out a core sample geotechnical investigation to establish foundation conditions in June and council group manager service delivery Jules Witt said Clutha had now applied to NZTA for funding, to prepare a detailed business case for the replacement.
Given agency approval, he expected the case to be completed this financial year.
The new bridge was earmarked for construction during 2019-20, with an estimated budget of $2.6 million, funded 59% ($1.5 million) by NZTA and 41% ($1.1 million) by Clutha.
No decision had been made on the final position of the new bridge, or bridge closures during construction, Mr Witt said.
