Work is now underway on the replacement Pakihi Bridge which crosses Te Waiti Stream, 15 kilometres south of Ōpōtiki.

Ōpōtiki District Council Engineering and Services group manager Chris Hopman says the existing single-lane Pakihi bridge, which was constructed in 1936, was significantly damaged in a storm in 2013.

An inspection showed the timber piles had lost their support on the downstream side of the western pier, but further inspections revealed the condition of other parts of the bridge, including the steel beams and abutments, was very poor.

'We initially considered major repair works to the bridge, but even with the best repairs to the existing structure, we would still have had a bridge with a limited life, significant load restrictions and non-compliance with earthquake provisions.

'In light of that, council approved the contract for the total replacement of the bridge.”

Concrete Structures Ltd have been contracted to complete the works and will carry out construction of a steel beamed bridge with a pre-cast concrete deck. The abutments will be supported on driven steel piles.

Physical works started this month and the new bridge is expected to be completed, weather and conditions allowing, by April 2017.