Bridge opening – great news

 

The Taramakau Bridge opened officially in late July - great news for travellers and for all of us on the West Coast.

 

It replaces the last road/rail bridge in New Zealand where road traffic and trains shared the same single lane bridge. (Understandably, it was the scene of many accidents and constant traffic delays.) The existing bridge will continue to be used but as a dedicated rail bridge.

 

A new two-lane bridge has been built downstream over the Taramakau River. As part of the project, a section of SH6 was realigned and an overpass built to take traffic over the railway line. The new bridge also has a 2.5 metre wide pedestrian and cycling path on one side which forms part of the West Coast Wilderness Trail, linking Greymouth, Kumara and Ross.

 

Originally estimated to take two years to build, contractor Fulton Hogan delivered the project in close to 18 months, according to NZTA. Not a bad effort.

 

Around 3,500 vehicles use the Taramakau Bridge, each day, on State Highway 6. And we’re hoping for more!