Works on Otaki River Bridge (old SH1)
Update: Two riders have recently come a cropper with the cones on the Otaki bridge works - so take care out there. We recommend that groups to avoid the bridge while the road works are underway.
We have received a heads-up from Waka Kotahi NZTA about the work programme for the Otaki River bridge. This is a popular route for our riders so we're sharing it in full so you can see the information from the source.
Kia ora koutou
From 12 August we’ll start work installing the Ōtaki River Bridge shared path clip-on. Once completed, the shared path will connect the town with existing shared pathways throughout Kāpiti, helping to encourage recreation and tourism in Ōtaki. Building this shared path, separated from other road users, will also create safer and more enjoyable journeys – not just for cyclists and pedestrians – but for motorists too.
Ōtaki River Bridge shared path
Earlier this year we installed the Waikanae River Bridge shared path clip-on which required a full southbound closure and detour for southbound traffic. With Ōtaki Bridge we’re able to install the shared path using stop/go traffic management. This will allow traffic to cross the bridge in both directions.
While we understand this stop/go traffic management will still cause some disruption and delays to road users, we’ll continue to work with our construction team to minimise the impact as much as possible.
There’ll be a temporary speed limit of 30km/h over the bridge and through the work area to keep road users and work crews safe.
Works programme
Prior to the start of installation, there’ll be site set-up underway from late July. This includes installation of temporary traffic lights at either end of the bridge and setting up of scaffolding. While there will be some initial testing of lights that may cause short delays, the remainder of the site set-up will have minimal impact on road users.
From 12 August, construction begins on the clip-on foundations at either end of the bridge. This work is expected to continue through until early December. To construct these foundations, which involves cutting into the adjacent traffic lane, the southbound lane on the bridge needs to remain closed 24/7, requiring stop/go traffic management.
Following the construction of the foundations, we’ll complete installation of the support brackets and shared path clip-on in the first quarter of 2025. While stop/go will still be in use during work hours, this final stage of installation will allow for two lane access outside these hours. Both lanes will also be open during the Christmas closedown period.
Key dates
Estimated dates | Site activity | Lane closure |
Late July | Setting up of temporary traffic lights ahead of work beginning. | Normal traffic flow. Set up of Stop/Go with occasional delays during daytime working hours for traffic light testing. |
Late July to early August | Site set-up (scaffolding). | Normal traffic flow. Minimal delays for scaffolder access. |
12 August to early December | Construction of foundations | Stop/Go traffic management 24/7. |
December to Christmas closedown | Installation of shared path structure | Stop/Go during daytime working hours.
Both lanes open to traffic (with traffic lights off) outside these hours. |
Christmas closedown period | Normal traffic flow. Both lanes open. | |
January to February 2025 | Installation of shared path structure on the Ōtaki River Bridge | Stop/Go to enable lifting operations.
Both lanes open to traffic (with traffic lights off) outside these work activities. |
February to April-May 2025 | Finishing works on the wider shared path project through Ōtaki | No lane closure. Normal traffic flow. |
If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with the project team by emailing PP2Orevocation@nzta.govt.nz.
Otherwise, please visit nzta.govt.nz/otaki-shared-
Article added: Wednesday 24 July 2024