The new Kopu Bridge is officially open today and is expected to be a big relief for motorist who rely on the route regularly, says Transportation Minister Steven Joyce.

The bridge replacement project was brought forward by three years as part of the government's $500 million Jobs and Growth plan.

An early design drawing of the new Kopu Bridge – State Highway 25.

Steven says the project created around 50 jobs which would not have otherwise been there.

Work for local companies was also created with materials supplied and supporting services provided.

'The new bridge will come as a huge relief to those reliant on it - particularly during the peak holiday period when queues of up to 10 kilometres long are legendary.
'The Coromandel is one of the country's fastest growing visitor destinations, with 2.5 million visitors expected in 2011, and traffic volumes expected to continue to rise year-on-year.
'As well as creating a better link for holiday makers during the peak summer period, the new bridge will create a viable transport link for the community will support growing a strong local economy.”

The project included the construction of a new 580m-long, two-lane bridge over the Waihou River, a new four-leg, two-lane roundabout at the junction of State Highway 25 and State Highway 26, and 2.5km of associated approach roads, including a new link road to State Highway 26 east of the bridge.

The new bridge will be 12.95m wide with 3.5m wide traffic lanes, 1.2m shoulders and a combined pedestrian/cycle lane on the north side of the bridge.

This pedestrian/cycle lane will be separated from the traffic lanes by a concrete barrier with designs cast in the concrete.