Bridge balustrades bolted in as project remains on track

A clear view: The see-through balustrades on the downstream side of Gladstone Road Bridge were bolted into place today as part of the bridge improvement project. One lane of the bridge was closed for the day to allow contractors with a crane to position the steel railing sections. Tairawhiti Roads said it was hoped this would be the final time the bridge would be down to one lane during the contract, which is on schedule to be completed next month. Picture by Liam Clayton

THE new see-through steel balustrades on the downstream side of the Gladstone Road bridge were bolted in place today.

The bridge was reduced to one-lane traffic again to allow contractors space to do it.

The lane closure, originally scheduled for last Friday, was put in place at 7.30am and was expected to remain for eight hours.

“Great progress was made on Wednesday last week,” said Tairawhiti Roads general manager Dave Hadfield.

“Contractors lifted the balustrades on to the bridge last week and drilled bolt holes in preparation for their installation.

“They picked up where they left off today to complete the installation.”

The new railing sections were placed on blocks last week adjacent to where they will be fixed to the bridge.

Mr Hadfield said depending on how the work went today, this could be the last lane closure needed as part of the project to widen the bridge.

“As with previous closures we have had traffic controllers in place to manage traffic while the downstream lane was closed.”

Motorists were again advised to consider using an alternative route or allow an extra 10 minutes for their journey.

“We’d again like to thank the community for its patience and understanding throughout the closures.”

The bridge improvement project remains on track for completion next month.