The Kahouri Stream Bridge project is part of a $30m investment in State Highway 43. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
The start of construction of a new bridge on the Forgotten World Highway, east of Stratford, marks a milestone in a package of roading projects the government says could boost economic activity in the area by up to $45 million.
The Kahouri Stream Bridge project is part of a $30m investment in State Highway 43 which includes tarsealing Tāngāraku Gorge between Whangamomona and Tauramanui.
Associate Minister of Transport Kiri Allan, who attended the sod-turning ceremony, said the roading projects would boost tourism and create new jobs in the area.
"Our regions are the backbone of Aotearoa and it's exciting to see the Kahouri Stream Bridge project get underway in such a picturesque part of the country," Allan said.
"The Forgotten World Highway is not only an iconic tourist route, but also an important link for mana whenua, local communities, and businesses.
"The bridge is part of a $30m investment by the government towards improvements for the Forgotten World Highway that will attract more tourists to the area and boost economic activity by an estimated $35 to $45m, helping to create new jobs in the area."
New straighter alignments would be created approaching the bridge to reduce the risk of crashes, increasing safety for locals and visitors.
Other works in the overall package of improvements included the sealing of the Tāngāraku Gorge, safety improvements and culvert replacements.
"It's estimated these improvements will bring 13,000 more visitors to Taranaki each year, and encourage more people to travel from Tongariro National Park through to Egmont National Park," Allan said.
The existing one-lane Kahouri Stream Bridge, built in 1908, would be repurposed as a historic walking and cycling route.
The new bridge was expected to be complete by early 2024 and was expected to better accommodate increased traffic volumes and freight.