McConnell Dowell contractors drive another pile for the second of two new bridges across the Waitaki River between Kurow and Hakataramea.
They are now working on the longest bridge, over the north channel.
With a new, two-lane bridge between the old, single-lane bridge and a temporary bridge, designed to take cranes and work vehicles, the contractors are completing the fifth of seven piles to span the river.
The temporary bridge has enabled the old bridge to be kept open during the construction.
The first bridge across the south branch is nearing completion and work is proceeding on the decking.
Once finished, there will be a special opening ceremony in early autumn involving both communities.
The new $20.1 million bridges, which will include a cycle lane, are replacing 132-year-old, single-lane wooden twin bridges.
New Zealand Transport Agency highway manager Colin Knaggs said good progress had been made since work started earlier last year.
Once the southern bridge was finished, work would start on demolishing the old wooden bridge.
The second of the replacement bridges was scheduled to open before September.
