​ ​ ​ ​ ​
Contact

Search

​Little Valley bridge refurbishment project to get underway

Date:
Categories:
News

The Little Valley Road bridge upgrade project will begin in October starting with the installation of a Bailey bridge to provide a temporary crossing over the Manuherekia River at Alexandra.

The temporary Bailey bridge will be built between Graveyard Gully Road and Rivers Street Park, also known as Linger and Die Park, in Alexandra. This will provide a detour route to ensure continued access for residents, rural users, and to critical infrastructure.

The project has been timed to avoid clashes with key community events such as the Alexandra Blossom Festival in late September and the annual Great Duck Race early October. The Central Otago District Council (CODC) will be building the Bailey bridge during October - December.

(Map shows the three bridges - the Bailey bridge, the existing Shaky Bridge footbridge and the Little Valley Road bridge.)

***

  • Temporary Bailey bridge

The Little Valley Road bridge will be closed to regular traffic from January until the refurbishment is completed in June 2026, after which the Bailey bridge will be removed and the site reinstated. All light vehicles, and heavy vehicles including truck and trailer units up to Class 1 weight restriction, along with cyclists, will be able to use the single lane Bailey bridge.

The Class 1 rating covers most trucks, trailers, stock trucks, and buses. The bridge will also accommodate larger non-heavy vehicles such as campervans, motorhomes, and large vans; an improvement on the current bridge’s load limits.

  • Shaky Bridge

The nearby historic Shaky Bridge footbridge will be available for pedestrians as usual.

  • Little Valley Road bridge

The Little Valley Road bridge upgrade has been advertised through public tender, which will be awarded in October.

Renewal of the district’s ageing bridge infrastructure has been a hot topic in Central Otago with the Little Valley Road bridge project kicking off a schedule of work over the next few years.

Like many structures throughout the district, the bridge has been experiencing age-related deterioration and needed intervention to ensure continued service and safety, CODC Roading Manager Paul Fleet said.

"This is an important project to strengthen and extend the life of the bridge, ensuring safe and reliable access for residents, farmers, businesses, emergency services, and visitors, including Otago Central Rail Trail users."

The work will include renewing key timber components of the bridge, which is the only permanent vehicle crossing over the Manuherekia River, and a critical link for multiple users.

The Rail Trail entry will remain open on Little Valley Road and the trail user carpark on the corner of Tucker Hill Road will also be accessible during the bridge closure.

Drop-in sessions for affected residents, landowners and the public will be held during September. These will be advertised in media and by social media.

***

QUICK FACTS

Little Valley Road bridge rehabilitation – community update – September 2025

Why this project is important

  • Little Valley Road bridge is a vital link for residents, farmers, businesses, emergency services, and visitors.
  • The bridge requires rehabilitation to extend its life, improve safety, and support modern heavy vehicle loads.
  • By acting now, CODC avoids sudden closures or costly emergency repairs, while keeping the bridge safe and reliable for the long term.

What’s happening

  • October to December 2025 – Temporary Bailey bridge installed to ensure traffic flow.
  • January to June 2026 – Closure and rehabilitation of Little Valley Road bridge.
  • Post-June 2026 – Bailey bridge removed, site reinstated, landscaping and signage completed.

What to expect

  • Little Valley Road bridge is closed to regular traffic during work.
  • Cyclists and pedestrians diverted via Shaky Bridge.
  • Note: Cyclists may use the Bailey bridge, but no pedestrian access permitted.
  • The Bailey bridge will be rated for Class 1 heavy vehicles (trucks, trailers, buses, stock trucks) and larger non-heavy vehicles (campervans, motorhomes, large vans).
  • Increased vehicle activity in the area during construction.
  • Some parking will be temporarily removed at the intersection of Walton and Thompson streets to enable safe and efficient heavy vehicle turning.
  • Residents along Walton Street and within the Lookout Estate may experience increased traffic volumes and vehicle noise during construction.

How you’ll be kept informed

  • Letter drops and door knocks for affected residents and landowners.
  • Signage on site with detour maps and safety information.
  • CODC website and social media updates (monthly and at milestones) with progress and FAQs.
  • Community drop-in session planned (date to be confirmed).
  • Feedback can be shared via the CODC roading email address, Council front desk, or directly with the project team.

Contacts

Share this
Was this information useful?
Loading...

Share this page

Sharing...