Local Democracy Reporting

Decades-old Carterton bridge fix could cost $600k

7:47pm

The bridge to Mount Holdsworth in Carterton is in a critical condition. (Source: LDR / Emily Ireland) (Source: Supplied)

A bridge connecting Mount Holdsworth to the rest of Wairarapa needs nearly $600,000 in repairs, a new report says.

By Emily Ireland of Local Democracy Reporting

In a report to Carterton District Council, engineers Stantec said the Atiwhakatu Bridge on Norfolk Rd did not comply with the NZTA Bridge Manual requirements for high productivity motor vehicle loading and required strengthening.

Stantec suggested three options for councillors to discuss on Wednesday, ranging from minimal work to a full replacement of the bridge.

The recommended option would cost $595,000 and included the replacement of the precast deck and strengthening of the beams to meet loading requirements.

Stantec said the bridge’s abutments had been visually assessed and "appeared to be in good condition for their age and well-founded with no evidence of scour".

"They are considered adequate to meet the bridge’s remaining useful life."

The Atiwhakatu Bridge, built in 1957, is a single-lane bridge and was designed for the types of vehicles common at that time.

The remaining useful life of the bridge was assumed to be about 30 years, possibly longer, based on 100-year theoretical design life, Stantec said.

Other options for the bridge included a minimal fix at $84,000, though this would not meet the loading requirements necessary, and a full replacement which would cost $1,375,000.

Costs were indicative only and were based on parameter costs for similar types of bridges.

The cost estimates included a 50% contingency and excluded GST, design fees, consents and any approach works.

The preferred option would be developed further for inclusion in the council’s Asset Management Plan being prepared as part of the Long Term Plan 2027-37.

The state of the bridge was first brought to the council table in February 2025 via a Ruamahanga Roads report that listed the bridge as needing urgent attention.

The bridge was estimated to carry 545 vehicles per day.

To protect the integrity of the bridge, the council limited the vehicle weight and axle loads and reduced the maximum speed when crossing the bridge to 10km/h earlier this year.

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