Multinational construction company Fulton Hogan has secured a contract from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) to build a new two-lane bridge across the Taramakau River.

Construction work of the new two-lane bridge is slated to begin next month, and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2018. The new bridge will feature separate off-road, shared facility for pedestrians and cyclists.

New Zealand Transport Agency southern regional director Jim Harland said: “The new two-lane bridge will replace the existing single-lane road / rail bridge, providing a safer and more efficient transport link for West Coast locals and for tourists.”

Work on the NZD $25.8m ($18.9m) bridge on State Highway 6 between Greymouth and Kumara Junction has been brought forward as part of the government’s Accelerated Regional Roading Package.

The transport agency also said that cycling clip-on that will be added on this bridge should be in place by Christmas this year.

"The transport agency also said that cycling clip-on that will be added on this bridge should be in place by Christmas this year."

NZTA further explained that route across the bridge will be on the downstream side, towards the sea, and will align with the existing cycle path.

Upon completion of the project, NZTA anticipates that it would reduce the travel times as well as delays caused due to road/rail conflict, and also improves safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

Rail traffic will continue to use the existing bridge, and the realigned road will pass over the existing rail line on an overpass south of the river.

Image: A road with a bridge and cars. Photo: courtesy of NZ Transport Agency.