Disappointing disruption to Kakanui Bridge replacement

Published on 24 March 2026

With the end in sight for the replacement Kakanui Bridge project, damage and theft have delayed the final preparations for the new bridge’s opening.

Over Otago Anniversary Weekend a driver has ignored the closure signs and cones and driven across the bridge approaches, causing surface damage. In doing this, they have damaged the freshly sealed weatherproofing, meaning Whitestone Contracting Ltd will have to patch the damage before the bridge is even open.

Council had repeatedly highlighted that the new surface, and approaches, did require time to be ready for traffic – and it is disappointing that someone has failed to wait a few more days to drive across the completed bridge.

Work was also delayed on Tuesday following the theft of some equipment required to install the guard rails on the bridge approach. The theft will be reported to police, and if anyone has information regarding the missing equipment, please contact them.

Mayor of the Waitaki District, Mel Tavendale, said “Disappointing doesn’t even cover it. Some unthinking idiots who damaged the surface and others who stole from the site, have selfishly delayed our hard working contractors from delivering the bridge the Kakanui community have been so supportive of.”

Project Manager Mike Harrison, said “This project is ahead of time, and under budget, and the community has been great. It’s a shame to get so close to opening the new bridge and then have this happen, but Whitestone Contracting Ltd are working their guts off to get this bridge opened as promised.”

The Kakanui Bridge Replacement project is an $11.06 million concrete bridge replacement of the 1899 timber Kakanui Bridge. With the bridge structure delivered by Concrete Structures NZ Ltd, and the approaches by Whitestone Contracting Ltd, the project is funded 57% by NZTA Waka Kotahi and 43% Waitaki District Council.

The old bridge was closed for 3 weeks on March 3, to allow the construction of the new road approaches.

ENDS

media@waitaki.govt.nz