A major Waikato transport route will receive government funding for the replacement of a nearly century-old bridge, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Transport Minister Chris Bishop say.
The Piraunui Stream Bridge replacement project on State Highway 26 will receive $5 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund.
"SH26 is an important route for Waikato communities, businesses and freight operators. We need to ensure critical infrastructure continues to serve the region into the future," Mr Jones says.
“Investing in resilient infrastructure is critical to the economic success of regional New Zealand. This funding is about protecting a key transport link before it becomes a problem.
Mr Bishop says parts of Piraunui Stream Bridge are almost a century old.
“Rather than waiting until deteriorating infrastructure forces restrictions or closures, we're investing now to replace the bridge and provide a safer, more resilient connection for road users."
“By backing practical projects like this, we're helping keep freight moving, supporting economic growth, and giving local communities confidence in their transport connections.”
Design and consenting work is expected to begin within the next six months, with construction anticipated from 2027, subject to necessary approvals and property requirements.
Editors’ note
The Regional Infrastructure Fund invests in infrastructure that supports economic growth, strengthens resilience, improves regional productivity, and helps unlock investment opportunities across regional New Zealand.