Ōtaki residents can expect to see some major works on the Ōtaki River Bridge on old State Highway 1 over the coming months.
Part of the completion works for the Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway, a 2.5-metre-wide clip-on shared path, is to be built on the eastern/upstream side of the Ōtaki River Bridge.
Ōtaki River Bridge, old State Highway 1.
Jetesh Bhula, Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery, says the project is about ensuring walkers and cyclists have a safe way to cross the bridge.
“Separating walking and cycling paths from the road is the best and safest option as it removes any chance of pedestrians and cyclists being at risk from live traffic lanes."
It is a substantial project, and it means there must be lane closures on the bridge while work is carried out.
Mr Bhula says the first lane closure will be scheduled for later this month, with the specific dates to be confirmed. However, he says the lane closures will only be on weekdays between 9am and 4 pm. The bridge will be fully open at night and on weekends.
"Contractors will be surveying the bridge and taking 3D scans of the work area. They'll also be measuring traffic flows to help better prepare for the construction phase, which will begin later this year."
"We will be running stop/go traffic management on the bridge while this work is underway. It will mean drivers can expect some short travel delays," Mr Bhula says.
Full project works won't begin until at least September, and Mr Bhula says plenty of warning will be given to the community before an official start date.
"This phase will take a lot longer. We're estimating between four to six months. It will also require a full lane closure on the bridge for the project's duration. This is because the project's scaffolding must be attached to the bridge. Because of the risk of floods, it can't be seated in the riverbed."
Mr Bhula says Waka Kotahi appreciates the project, and the restrictions on the bridge will be inconvenient for drivers and residents.
"However, the project will bring significant benefits to Ōtaki and provide a much-needed piece of infrastructure to complement the growing cycling and walking network on the Kāpiti Coast. We'd ask the public to bear with us while the project is underway."
Works details and schedule:
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