The project, which will cost up to $100,000, will strengthen the bridge so drivers of heavy trucks do not have to slow down to 10kmh.
Council roading assets manager Geoff Young said yesterday it was hoped to carry out the project this financial year, with funding from the New Zealand Transport Agency and the bridge depreciation fund.
Detailed design was being completed, but the aim was to put in extra beams and smooth the deck.
The bridge was already strong enough to take heavy trucks, but a 10kmh speed limit had been imposed for class 1 vehicles to prevent the bridge deteriorating because the rough deck caused shaking.
It was hoped to keep the bridge open during the work.
Mr Young said the work was not being done specifically for Holcim (New Zealand) Ltd as part of a roading improvement programme agreed to between the company and council if a new cement plant was built at Weston.
Improving the bridge needed to go ahead, but if Holcim decided to build the plant, then a contribution could be collected from the company.
Holcim had reached an agreement with the council as part of its resource consents process for the Weston cement plant to fund road improvements resulting from the plant or its quarries, or part fund work based on the benefit to the company and community.
