The aging Little Valley Bridge in Alexandra will receive a $2.475M upgrade in October to replace the timber deck and beams.

Central Otago District Council (CODC) heard from roading manager Paul Fleet last week who updated councillors about the project.

An alternative Bailey bridge is being constructed across the Manuherikia River, 1km south of the existing structure, connecting Graveyard Gully Road to Rivers Street 

Paul said there had been extensive consultation with affected landowners and residents in the area.

The bridge project was originally scheduled for completion by June 2025, but the timeline had been adjusted due to complexities around design, material sourcing, and to determine the alternative route.

To ensure the safety of the current structure, a 29-tonne weight limit and a 10km/h speed limit for heavy vehicles was introduced and will remain in place until the renewal work was completed.

CODC mayor Tamah Alley asked whether the bridge had historical elements that added any additional complexity to the project.

Paul said some of the original components of the old bridge had been offered to the community for use on the Otago Central Rail Trail, “but there is no real historic significance”.

CODC three waters group manager Julie Muir said the bridge also had had quite significant modifications to it over the years.

The project is expected to take eight weeks to complete.