Tongariro Bridge to be temporarily reduced to one lane
17 July 2015
New water and wastewater pipes are being installed alongside the Tongariro Bridge on State Highway 1 next month, requiring the closure of one lane for a short period to allow the work to be carried out.
The bridge just north of Turangi township and crosses the Tongariro River. The pipes run underneath the footpath on the northern side of the bridge and need to be replaced. The water pipe has burst several times recently, and the wastewater pipe is over 50 years old and starting to corrode. Taupo District Council has contracted Fulton Hogan to complete the work.
Replacement of the pipes is expected to begin in mid-August. Pedestrians will be able to cross the bridge using a temporary footpath that will go over the top of the permanent footpath.
Infrastructure manager Denis Lewis said because the work space was so narrow, one lane would need to be closed for three nights in August so heavy machinery could be used on the bridge. During this time pedestrians and bicycles would be diverted onto the road, which would act as a temporary footpath with a safety barrier blocking the path from the one-way traffic.
"Because we have to shut one lane, we will have contractors controlling the flow of traffic in alternate directions at this time," Mr Lewis said. "It may mean a small delay for motorists but we need to keep our contractors and our community safe during these few days when space is particularly tight."
Contractors are now carrying out preliminary work at each end of the bridge, accessing underground chambers that show how the pipes are laid out and what cables run alongside them. These sites are on the access footpaths to the bridge and pedestrians are being redirected around the work sites.
Speed restrictions will be in place during the work at all times, but contractors will mainly be working on the bridge at night to minimise disruption. During the day contractors will be working at either end of the bridge away from the road.
END
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410
Vicki Waterhouse Communications Advisor 07 376 0718 027 484 2549
Taupō District Council
