Bridge half done

14 March 2014

Half of the repairs to Cambridge's Victoria Bridge are now complete and construction work will move to the other side early next week (March 24).

Work on the 106-year-old bridge began in January this year and included widening the footpaths by 40cm to ensure both pedestrians and mobility scooters could cross the bridge safely. It also involves repairs to the bridge structure and drainage.

The bridge sits 35.4 metres above the Waikato River, spans 141 metres and has a Historic Places Trust category 1 classification.

Repairs to one footpath on the bridge are now complete. The outer handrails have been replaced and the inner ones refurbished.

The work is going as scheduled as is expected to be complete in May as originally forecast.

Council's road corridor manager Dawn Inglis said with work changing sides next week, motorists should take extra care around pedestrians using the bridge. Pedestrians and cyclists will now enter and exit from the left hand side of the bridge instead of the right.

We have seen a marked increase in the number of people walking or cycling across the bridge, especially at peak school times. We're asking that everyone take particular care while people get used to the change of sides, she said.

We are also continuing to ask that cyclists dismount and walk their bikes across the bridge.

ends

Media enquiries Jeanette Tyrrell (on behalf of Council) 027 5077 599