New bridge to Taupo likely

Plans are under way to investigate and designate a suitable route for a second bridge over the Waikato River at the northern approach to Taupo.

The bridge - which will be downstream from the existing Control Gates Bridge - will provide alternative access into Taupo for motorists coming from the Nukuhau/ Acacia Bay area and southbound traffic.

Taupo District Council strategic projects engineer Kirsten Thrush said the project was dependant on the East Taupo Arterial highway - around the eastern outskirts of town - proceeding as planned, allowing the existing State Highway One, from Wairakei to the airport, to be vested in the council as local road.

That would enable the council to design and construct intersections for the second bridge project that suit future local roading needs rather than State Highway requirements.

The investigation work is planned for completion early next year. If the application for designation is successful the next step will be design, followed by construction.

- NZPA