Ashburton’s second bridge will be fully funded by NZTA, while the Ashburton District Council will pick up the tab for connecting roads.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced on Thursday that the Government would pay for the new 360-metre bridge across the Ashburton River from Chalmers Avenue to Carters Terrace, and the council would pay for a new connecting road on the Tinwald side of the bridge.

Work is expected to begin in 2026.

Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown said councillors had discussed the funding proposal and agreed in principle.

“I’m thrilled with where it’s landed and we’ll be presenting a more detailed financial breakdown of the split to our community in due course.

“The cost to council will be the building of the local road and this cost will be known once the design is completed.”

The council included $7.5m for the second bridge in its long-term plan.

“Officers are currently evaluating roading designs and we view this as an inter-generational project, meaning that current and future generations should be expected to pay their share of the costs.”

Under the Government’s funding proposal, the bridge would be considered a part of the State Highway network and maintained by NZ Transport Agency as part of its state highway work programme.

Mayor Brown said he understood that the bridge would not be tolled.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown said delivering a second Ashburton Bridge to improve resilience and connectivity along State Highway is a key priority for both the Government and the Ashburton District Council.

“I’m pleased we are delivering for the local community to get this critical project underway.

“We all saw the impact of recent flooding events that occurred in Ashburton in 2021 and 2023 and the effect that this had on supply chains and emergency services across the South Island.

“These events demonstrated how critical this connection – which takes 24,000 vehicles a day – is for the South Island, particularly as the next alternative bridge is over 27 kilometres away.

“By investing in a second Ashburton Bridge, the South Island’s supply chain will have significantly improved resilience and it will also allow for further growth in Tinwald in Ashburton with a large amount of additional land being unlocked for development.”

NZTA is “working at pace” to confirm details with the council including the final scope, consenting pathway, and preferred delivery arrangements so that construction can begin as soon as possible he said.

The second bridge is listed in the Fast Track Approvals Bill to expedite the consenting process.

Rangitata MP James Meager said the announcement is a victory for the local community and a positive step forward for local transport resiliency.

"This is an infrastructure project that our region has desperately needed, and I'm delighted that NZTA and Ashburton District Council have reached an agreement on the funding mix so we can get on and start building the bridge.

“This is about more than just building a bridge – it's about securing Mid Canterbury’s future as a growing, thriving regional hub.”

By Jonathan Leask