NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has mixed news for those awaiting the replacement of eight bridges lost during Cyclone Gabrielle.
Funding for replacement has been granted for some but others will not be replaced.
Gisborne District Council director of community lifelines Tim Barry said on Thursday that two of the lost bridges had been indicatively endorsed for replacement, while two others required further economic and design considerations.
“Three of the destroyed bridges will not be replaced,” he said.
The Hollywood Bridge on Bushy Knoll Rd, one of the eight, has already been replaced with a Bailey bridge and work continues to reinforce it to provide a 50-years-plus life.
“NZTA has a thorough process to determine funding eligibility for bridge projects, and unfortunately some bridges did not meet the criteria, which is disappointing news for affected whānau and the council,” Barry said.
“We remain closely engaged with these whānau as alternative solutions are sought.”
St Legers Bridge on Ruakaka Rd and the Huiarua Bridge on Mata Rd were likely to receive funding due to their economic justification, he said.
“These projects are awaiting final design, cost and design approvals.”
Barry said the Pauariki Bridge on Hikuwai Rd and Gray’s Bridge on Bruce Rd needed additional economic and design evaluations.
“Serving small, remote areas, those bridge replacements are costly and less economically viable.”
Bridges that would not be replaced included the Burgess Access Bridge on Burgess Rd and the Mangatai Access Bridge on Te Kowhai Rd.
“For the Mangatai Access Bridge, NZTA has endorsed an alternative route that the council is now investigating in more detail.
“Changes in land use have removed the need for the Hangaroa Bridge replacement, another of the eight. However, a new bridge is still under consideration as part of the Tiniroto Rd realignment project past the Hangaroa Bluffs.”
In addition to the funding announced for lost bridges, NZTA confirmed it would provide a further $11.4 million for repairs to damaged bridges across the region.
“This funding provides the boost we need to ensure that our critically damaged bridges are repaired, enabling affected communities to function again,” Barry said.
“Despite the mixed news, these decisions enable the council to advance recovery plans and support affected whānau and communities.”