Ashburton's tale of two bridges becoming reality

The Ashburton District Council and NZTA have signed a partnership agreement and are now working together to build a second southern bridge for the town. 

The 360m long bridge is projected to cost around $120 million and is set to take about two years to complete, starting July next year. As well as being fully funded by the Government, the bridge was also included in its fast-track approval bill.

Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown says the bridge will make a big difference for the town.

The idea of a new bridge first arose from a NZTA transportation study ran in 2006. Mayor Brown has been on board with the concept since and almost 20 years later is excited the project is in full swing.

As well as the bridge, new adjoining roads will be constructed, providing new opportunities for housing and infrastructure.

Associate Transport Minister and Minister for the South Island, James Meager, says the bridge will give drivers a second route and alleviate congestion.

Meager also says by adding an alternative route, connectivity will be strengthened up and down the island, allowing for the transport of goods, overseas exports, and economic growth. Meager is glad the South Island can play its role and says it's all part of the wider Government investments in New Zealand's roading and infrastructure network.

The current bridge is used by approximately 24,000 vehicles daily and is a critical transport route for the South Island. 

Since the flooding in 2021 demand for the bridge has increased tenfold. In the floods, the existing bridge was closed for two days due to it slumping. This cut Ashburton in two and proved to be disastrous for lower South Island cities and leaving Dunedin three days away from running out of food. 

With Ashburton continuing to grow, the second bridge will play a key role in keeping the town moving—and ensuring it is never cut off again.