- Hon Chris Bishop
Construction is now underway on the permanent two-lane replacement of the Mangati Bridge on State Highway 39 (SH39), between Ōtorohanga and Pirongia, Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced today.
"The replacement bridge being delivered by Oxcon will be built higher and stronger to improve the corridor's resilience to flooding and extreme weather, after the original bridge was damaged beyond repair in March," Mr Bishop says.
"Once completed in early 2027, it will provide safer, more reliable access and help people get where they need to go quickly and safely.
"SH39 is a vital route through the western Waikato and an important link between Taranaki and Auckland.
"The replacement will be built on the same site as the original bridge, allowing traffic to continue using the temporary bridge during construction with minimal disruption.
"I'm pleased work is now underway on this important project, which will restore a resilient, two-lane crossing for local communities and everyone who relies on SH39."
Notes to editor:
- The total project cost is expected to be $12.5 million, funded from NZTA's emergency works budget. This figure includes the cost of the new bridge ($8 million), removing the damaged bridge and installing, maintaining and then removing the temporary Acrow bridge.
