SH82 South Canterbury bridge replacements

Project update

3 November 2025

Construction starting soon

We expect to start the replacement of the Waihao North River Bridge and Elephant Hill Stream Bridge on SH82 this month.

This week, we will begin installing a temporary bridge slightly to the north of the Waihao North River Bridge to prevent a lengthy detour while construction takes place.

We will also be starting enabling works at the Elephant Hill Stream Bridge soon. We are currently exploring detour options as a more cost-effective alternative to a temporary bridge during construction.

In the New Year, we will start deconstructing both of the old bridges before moving on to building the new ones.

The replacement of ageing bridges with new modern structures like this ensure our state highway network remains resilient, reliable, and efficient for road users for years to come.

Waihao North River Bridge replacement

The Waihao North River Bridge (SH82) was built in 1920 and the condition of the structure has deteriorated over time.

There are considerable decaying timber substructure elements, as well as poor surfacing condition with loose deck fixings.

These issues mean it will require a lot of ongoing maintenance and it is more cost-effective to replace it now.

The new bridge will be a modern concrete structure built in the same location as the current one. It will have two 3.5m traffic lanes with a 750mm shoulder.

Due to its age, construction and condition, the current bridge can’t be used by full High Productivity Motor Vehicles (HPMV), but the new bridge will be built to meet modern standards, that allow all to use it.

Elephant Hill Stream Bridge replacement

The Elephant Hill Stream Bridge is over 100 years old and parts of the structure have started to decay. Keeping it going with ongoing maintenance would be expensive and not the best use of resources. Replacing it now is the smarter and safer option for everyone.

We initially planned to use a temporary bridge during construction but we are now exploring detour options as a more cost-effective alternative.

We will be able to share more details about this with you soon.

The new bridge will be upgraded to have two lanes and will be built in the same location as the current bridge.

This new bridge will also be full High Productivity Motor Vehicles (HPMV) compatible.

More information

For more information on the SH82 South Canterbury bridge replacements, contact us at sh82bridges@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/sh82bridges