Repairs to Cambridge high level bridge
5 November 2013
Cambridge's high level bridge will undergo significant repair work in early 2014.
Waipa District Council's group manager service delivery Barry Bergin said the bridge needed work to accommodate the differing needs of users.
Mr Bergin said the current footpaths were installed in 1925 and needed to be replaced because of corrosion and wear. At the same time, council will widen the paths to ensure pedestrians, mobility scooter drivers and cyclists also have a safe route across the bridge.
The $1.1m project, which has been included in Council's budget, will also mean repairs to the bridge structure and drainage.
The work is expected to take around four months and council is currently seeking tenders from companies equipped to work in the particular conditions.
Work is made more complex because the bridge sits 39 metres above the Waikato River, spans 141 metres and has a Historic Places Trust Category 1 classification.
These three elements mean we have to work this through carefully and keep in mind the safety of the workers and pedestrians and the management of traffic during construction, Mr Bergin said.
Our aim is to keep at least one lane open during the day time while the upgrade takes place but we would encourage people to think about using alternative routes if possible, Mr Bergin said.
The exact times and methodology to be used for repairs will be decided once the tenders are in. At that point, there will be more certainty about potential traffic disruption.
A temporary roundabout will be installed at the intersection of Shakespeare Street and SH1 to help the flow of traffic during this time. The roundabout will be installed in early January and is expected to take two days to complete.
Information about potential bridge closures will be posted on the Waipa District Council website and will be widely advertised as soon as it was available, Mr Bergin said.
Ends
For further information please contact:
Barry Bergin
Group Manager Service Delivery
(07) 8720089
027 293 8115
