Kakanui Bridge site blessed and sod turned ahead of replacement

Published on 29 April 2025

Representatives from Te Rūnanga o Moeraki blessed the site of the replacement Kakanui Bridge today, and the Mayor, Acting CE and Councillors turned the sod at the site, joined by contractors Whitestone Contracting and Concrete Structures (NZ) Ltd and members of the Kakanui community.

The $11.06 million project will see the construction of a fully-concrete, single-lane bridge suitable for heavy goods vehicles as well as a 1.5 metre pedestrian/cycle path.

The 126-year-old Kakanui Bridge will remain in place until construction is completed on the replacement, when it will be deconstructed. A new boat ramp will be built at the site of the current bridge abutment, which is included in the project cost.

Project Manager, Mike Harrison, says: “With the blessing of Te Rūnanga o Moeraki, we’re now ready to begin work on the long-awaited bridge replacement for Kakanui. We are committed to delivering the new bridge with as little disruption to the community as possible, and will stay in touch with them throughout the construction”

Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher says: “The current Kakanui Bridge has served the community well, but has come to the end of its life. We have the opportunity to build a modern bridge to address the increased usage, vehicle weight and slash buildup. I would like to pay tribute to staff, elected members and the community – as well as the Government and Waka Kotahi – and thank you to our contractors, Whitestone Contracting and Concrete Structues (NZ) Ltd. We wish you every success!”

This will ensure one of State Highway 1’s alternate routes has a hundred-year asset, improving resilience of the roading network and avoiding closures due to slash and debris buildup during weather events.

ENDS