The second of two new bridges across the Waitaki River between Kurow and Hakataramea will be officially opened in three weeks' time, ahead of schedule.
Part of a $20.1 million project to replace two single-lane wooden bridges opened in 1881, the shorter, first bridge on the southern branch of the river was opened in early April, a year after the first sod was turned to start the project.
The deck of the second bridge was being poured and work was progressing on installation of the guard rails and hand rails, New Zealand Transport Agency highway manager Colin Knaggs said yesterday.
''Our contractor McConnell Dowell Constructors has had two crews working ... since we opened the first bridge, six weeks ago. This, coupled with the streamlining of the construction process and a piling programme that progressed smoothly, means the second bridge will be opened on Saturday, June 7,'' he said.
The first of the old bridges over the southern branch of the river was being dismantled.
Traffic was using one lane of the new south bridge while the deconstruction work was done, along with the earthworks for widening the approaches. After the second bridge was opened, the contractors were expected to remain on site until early October, dismantling the second bridge, completing development of the approaches for the second bridge and link road and finishing any land rehabilitation.
The whole community was invited to the June 7 opening, Mr Knaggs said.
