Transport Minister Simon Bridges breaks ground for $26 million new Taramakau road bridge

Transport Minister Simon Bridges turns the first sod of the new Taramakau bridge alongside National Party list MP Maureen Pugh (left) Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn and Fulton Hogan chief executive Robert Jones. Photo / Greymouth Star

The ground has been broken for the new Taramakau road bridge, with construction to begin early in the new year.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges was on site this morning with spade in hand for the symbolic turning of the first sod, marking the start of the
$26 million project, which will replace the last road-rail bridge in New Zealand.

"The Government promised it would do it and thanks to Bill English, using Crown money which he ticked off as Finance Minister, the project is under way,"
Mr Bridges said.

It is part of the Government's accelerated regional roading package, announced in 2014 to speed up the delivery of transport projects considered important to regions.

"It's a big project, very important for local people, freight, tourism and regional development," Mr Bridges said.

Principal contractor Fulton Hogan will move on site early in 2017 and will
have the new bridge completed later in 2018.

"We couldn't expect our guys to start before Christmas but will begin early new year," chief executive Robert Jones told the Greymouth Star.

An artist's impression of the new Taramakau River road bridge, just downstream of the existing road-rail bridge, which will be retained for rail taffic. Photo / Supplied

"It's absolutely great for the Coast, with local people fully involved," Mr Jones said.

"It's going to be great for the local community as we will have a workforce of 50 - mainly locals.

"Our heavy civil staff from away will be involved with the project management with all the work being done by predominantly local staff, including local contractors,"
Mr Jones said.

The existing bridge will be retained by Kiwi Rail as a solely rail bridge.

An overpass will be built at the southern approach to the new bridge to carry State highway traffic over the railway line.

- Greymouth Star