Unfortunately, the process has proved to be more time consuming than originally anticipated. The revised completion date is 16 May 2024. The contractor has brought in two additional welders to increase the work output, and believes the updated programme is realistic and workable

During this period the bridge will be closed between 9.00am and 3.00pm. This will allow the mail and school traffic to get through during this time.

The contractor have advised Emergency Services and will work closely with them in the event of an emergency. Dates and times of closures have been advertised in the local newspaper and on the radio. There has also been a letter drop and signage placed advising of the dates and times of the closures onsite.

The following restrictions continue to apply:

• Weight limit of six tonnes and speed limit posted on the bridge.
• One vehicle to cross the bridge at a time.
• Vehicles to travel central to the bridge.

Published: 17 Apr 2024 @ 2:32pm

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Previous Updates

Work is anticipated to be completed by 30 April 2024, with the strengthening work continuing. Surface preparation is complete. The contractors are welding steel plates to the bottom and top of the horizontal beam. These plates are being treated inside and outside to prevent corrosion. During the closure we have taken the opportunity to clean and inspect the vertical hangars for any signs of fatigue.

During this period the bridge will be closed between 9.00am and 3.00pm. This will allow the mail and school traffic to get through during this time.

The contractor have advised Emergency Services and will work closely with them in the event of an emergency. Dates and times of closures have been advertised in the local newspaper and on the radio. There has also been a letter drop and signage placed advising of the dates and times of the closures onsite.

The following restrictions continue to apply:

• Weight limit of six tonnes and speed limit posted on the bridge.
• One vehicle to cross the bridge at a time.
• Vehicles to travel central to the bridge.

Published: 25 Mar 2024 @ 3:56pm

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We’ll bring you regular updates on the progress of this project. The bridge will be closed between 9.00am and 3.00pm while work is underway – it is anticipated to conclude by 30th April 2024.

While work continues, the current restrictions still apply:

• Weight limit of six tonnes and speed limit posted on the bridge.
• One vehicle to cross the bridge at a time.
• Vehicles to travel central to the bridge.

For the latest updates on the current and upcoming road closures for the district, please visit https://www.mdc.govt.nz/services/roads-and-footpaths/current-road-status/

Published: 20 Feb 2024 @ 3:40pm

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Manawatū District Council and Rangitikei District Council are jointly undertaking work to strengthen the bridge.

The contract for the strengthening work to the Otara Bridge has been awarded to Riverside Construction Ltd.

Riverside Construction have manufactured the components and will commence work on site on the 13^th February 2024. Work is then anticipated to be completed by 30 April 2024.

During this period the bridge will be closed between 9.00am and 3.00pm. This will allow the mail and school traffic to get through during this time.

Riverside will advise Emergency Services and work closely with them in the event of an emergency. Dates and times of closures will be advertised by Riverside in the local newspaper and on the radio. There will also be a letter drop and signage in place advising of the dates and times of the closures onsite.

The following restrictions continue to apply:

• Weight limit of six tonnes and speed limit posted on the bridge.
• One vehicle to cross the bridge at a time.
• Vehicles to travel central to the bridge.

Published: 23 Jan 2024 @ 11:47am

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The contract for the strengthening work to the Otara Bridge has now been awarded to Riverside Construction Ltd.

Riverside Construction will commence manufacturing the components between now and Christmas, and plan to be on site on the 29th of January 2024. Work is then anticipated to be completed by 15 April 2024.

During this period the bridge will be closed between 9.00am and 2.00pm. This will allow the mail and school traffic to get through during this time.

Riverside will advise Emergency Services and work closely with them in the event of an emergency. Dates and times of closures will be advertised by Riverside in the local newspaper and on the radio. There will also be a letter drop and signage in place advising of the dates and times of the closures onsite.

The following restrictions continue to apply:

• Weight limit of six tonnes and speed limit posted on the bridge.
• One vehicle to cross the bridge at a time.
• Vehicles to travel central to the bridge.

Published: 30 Oct 2023 @ 3:34pm

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In January 2023 we were made aware of damage to the Otara Bridge, located approximately 3km north of Ohingaiti to the east of State Highway 1.

Manawatū District Council and Rangitikei District Council are jointly undertaking a project to strengthen the Otara Bridge to restore it to its previous weight limit of 46 tonnes at 30 kph. This strengthening will be achieved by reinforcing the trusses at both upstream and downstream sides of the bridge. The existing top chord will be strengthened by welding plates on the top and bottom flanges over the 104m span.

By way of update, an open invitation for tenders was put on GETS on 2 October 2023.

Tenders close at Manawatū District Council electronically via GETS on 19 October at 4:00pm.

Once the contract is awarded the contractor will provide a programme which can then be communicated to the community.

While the strengthening work is being undertaken there will be an opportunity to do further in-situ testing of the hangars to determine a replacement programme for the 2024-27 financial years.

Published: 17 Oct 2023 @ 2:54pm

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The bridge will be closed  today  15th September , it is anticipated that the bridge will be reopened at 2pm this afternoon.

There will be an update when bridge has been reopened.

Published: 15 Sep 2023 @ 11:37am

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Repair work to the abutment and damaged beam is complete, the bridge is now open.

The following restrictions continue to apply:

• Weight limit of six tonnes and speed limit posted on the bridge.
• One vehicle to cross the bridge at a time.
• Vehicles to travel central to the bridge.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during the closures, we appreciate it is disrupting for those needing to use the bridge. We will need to carry out further remedial works in October and will provide advance notice and regular updates on the bridge status during these times.

Thank you from our Roading Team.

Published: 14 Sep 2023 @ 2:29pm

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Should the works be delayed by weather or factors outside of the contractors control the bridge will remain closed until the works are completed, including overnight if required.

Please use alternative routes during this time.

Published: 13 Sep 2023 @ 2:27pm

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