Published on 25 March 2026
The new Kakanui bridge opened to vehicle traffic this afternoon, following the planned three week closure to allow construction of the approach roads.
Safety barriers were fitted yesterday, with road marking taking place earlier today.
This is the third bridge at this site and replaces the 1899 wooden Kakanui Bridge, which will be deconstructed later this year.
The new bridge is budgeted at $11.06 million dollars, with 57% of that being paid for by NZTA and 43% by Waitaki District Council.
A formal ceremonial opening, and a farewell to the 1899 bridge, will take place in early April.