Work to to replace the ageing 132-year-old Kurow twin bridges with a 96m-long bridge and a second 206m-long bridge, funded by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), began in April, and NZTA project manager Steve Proud said construction of the smaller of the two bridges was on schedule, and work to drive piles for the second bridge would start next month.
The new bridges are part of the Transport Agency's $1 billion programme of investment in Canterbury's transport network from 2012 to 2015, and Mr Proud said the project also created jobs locally.
He said contractors McConnell Dowell Constructors had employed six local residents to work on the project.
''This is good for both investment and involvement in the local community.''
Contractors were making good progress overall, he said.
''Construction of the first of the bridges, over the southern branch of the river, remains on schedule. Piling is now completed and work is under way concreting the bridge columns and abutments.
''Work will begin mid next month driving the 11 piles for the second bridge, on the Hakataramea side of the river.
''This work will take until mid-March to complete.''
