Bridge repairs to take longer

Residents of Manukau suburbs divided by a damaged motorway bridge last month may have to wait another eight weeks for it to be reopened.

Although the Transport Agency has brought forward a repair programme for the Orams Rd bridge over the Southern Motorway by four days, starting tonight, it says the task may take six to eight weeks because some strengthening materials have to be imported from Australia.

A prediction by the agency a fortnight ago that the bridge may have to stay closed for eight weeks dismayed residents and business owners.

Agency regional director Wayne McDonald said in-depth assessments had confirmed the bridge was extensively damaged from being hit by a digger under tow along the motorway last month.