FAQs

Widening and strengthening a bridge is a complex, costly process and typically only considered under severe circumstances where structural integrity is at risk. Such work would require significant involvement from structural consultants and other stakeholders to review:

1. Feasibility and benefits of extending the bridge considering its age and whole-of-life value.
2. Strength of the existing structure and its ability to carry additional dead load if widened.
3. Complete design review for strengthening the bridge to support extra load.
4. Resource consent (Land use, discharge of contaminants to air and water permits) and approval timelines from the regional council for construction works.
5. Construction costs for retrofitting and associated traffic impacts.
6. Development of a detailed business case to secure NZTA funding, supported by consultant design reports.

Modifying the sharp bend on the Martinborough side would be a complex, costly, and time-intensive process. It would include a comprehensive feasibility study and the preparation of a detailed business case to justify the benefit–cost ratio against the Death and Serious Injuries (DSI) index. This approach typically involves a full design review of the existing alignment and is generally considered a last-resort option.

Any proposed alteration to the current alignment would have significant implications, including:

• Impact on surrounding landowners, potentially necessitating land acquisition processes.
• Assessment of environmental effects and compliance with the latest design standards.
• Road safety audits to ensure the revised design meets safety requirements.
• Resource and building consents, along with stakeholder consultations.
• Construction planning and implementation, followed by the development of a long-term maintenance regime.

This work is part of our routine maintenance program where we carry out regular trimming to maintain visibility, drainage, and overall road safety.   

Our maintenance contractor routinely checks the road corridor to maintain safety, aesthetics, and environmental standards. This includes:

• Mechanical vegetation control to manage grass and vegetation that interferes with traffic, visibility, drainage, or road safety.
• High-cut trimming to remove shrubs, scrub, or tree growth encroaching on sight distances or posing hazards. Vegetation is trimmed to 6.5m above the carriageway and approximately 5m from its edge.