Kopu Bridge news greeted with immense delight

Minister announces work to start soon on replacement bridge.

An announcement by Transport Minister Steven Joyce that the construction of the proposed
replacement bridge at Kopu will be brought forward has been greeted with “immense delight” by
Thames-Coromandel District Mayor Phillipa Barriball.

She says it is something that will be welcomed by residents and visitors alike.

“As well as removing a major bottleneck, the construction of the bridge will provide much needed
jobs and a boost to the local economy.”

The $32 million replacement bridge was due to start in 2011, but Mr Joyce told journalists this
week that it was obvious the 81-year-old bridge needed replacement as soon as possible.

While he did not give a confirmed timeframe, Mr Joyce said he would be meeting with Transport
New Zealand officials soon to discuss an earlier start.

Mayor Barriball said it would be tremendous if a start could be made this year – all of the design
and planning has been done – it’s just a case of providing the funding.

The replacement bridge is expected to take up to three years to complete.