Photos of the Otaki River Bridge by Mark Coote.

Construction of the Otaki River Bridge on the Peka Peka to Otaki (PP2O) Expressway has reached the halfway mark, with 55 of the 110 bridge beams now in place.

“The Otaki River Bridge is the largest structure on the PP2O Expressway and when complete will be 330 metres long,” says NZ Transport Agency acting senior project delivery manager Karen Boyt.

“The two lanes in each direction will carry a total of approximately 12,000 vehicles per day when it opens in 2021 and provide a more resilient and efficient connection between northern and southern Otaki.”

Work on the bridge so far has resulted in: 

• 3600 tonnes of bridge beams in place
• 35,000 hours of labour worked
• 3100 cubic metres of concrete poured
• 22 piles
• Six bridge piers
• 900 tonnes of reinforcing steel in place
• More than 2500 crane lifts, ranging between two and 65 tonnes.

 Also progressing rapidly are the works on the new Waitohu River Bridge, the bridges north of the Mill Road roundabout, and positive community engagement on the design for the PP2O shared walking, cycling and bridle path.

“The inclusion of the shared path to the PP2O Expressway project scope is an added benefit for the community,” Boyt says.

Initially, cycling facilities were going to be designed, developed and included during the revocation phase of the project, and had been intended to run on what will be the old State Highway 1 once the PP2O Expressway opens.

However, following an assessment process, the decision was made to build the path as part of the PP2O project.

“As a welcomed addition to the PP2O project by the local community, the shared walking, cycling and bridle path means that the expressway will now be opened in 2021,” Boyt says.

“While the extension to the completion date is not ideal, it is necessary in order to provide the long-term benefits that the shared path will provide the community.”