The Monowai suspension bridge over the Waiau River in western Southland will be fully replaced, with $6 million in government funding confirmed through the Regional Infrastructure Fund.
Southland District Council, which is co-funding and delivering the project, received the grant from Kānoa, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's regional economic development and investment unit. The total project cost is commercial-in-confidence while it is out to tender. Construction is expected to be completed by December 2027.
The bridge on Lake Monowai Road is the sole practical road route into the Monowai Valley. It provides access to the Monowai hydro station, large commercial forestry operations, local farmers, and tourism and recreation activities including Borland Lodge. It also provides an alternative route into Fiordland National Park.
The existing structure has a 28.5-tonne weight limit, which forces heavy transport operators to split loads, stockpile forestry products, or find costly alternatives for moving equipment. Council's intention is to rebuild to HN-HO-72 design standard, enabling access for full class one heavy vehicles of up to 50 tonnes.
Council had previously received funding from NZTA only to replace the deck. A deck replacement would have extended the life of the existing structure but would not have addressed the bridge's fundamental limitations. Meetings with the local community and businesses identified a strong preference for full replacement, which Council then pursued through the Regional Infrastructure Fund application.
Southland District Mayor Rob Scott said he was delighted to receive confirmation of the funding.
"The Monowai suspension bridge is a vital link for the Monowai Valley's communities and businesses, and the historic Monowai hydro station," Scott said.
"Full replacement will provide numerous lasting benefits for residents, landowners, businesses, tourism operators and visitors to this unique part of New Zealand.
"We are very grateful to our Southland-based Cabinet minister Penny Simmonds for her crucial support in helping us to advance our case. She has been a wonderful ally for us and has really helped us to achieve a great result for the people of the Monowai area.
"I'd also like to acknowledge the important role the Regional Infrastructure Fund plays in supporting assets that contribute majorly to the national economy."
Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson said the bridge's weight restriction had created real operational problems.
"This bridge is a vital link for the Monowai Valley communities and businesses, and the historic Monowai hydroelectric power station which has contributed to the electricity network for more than 100 years," Patterson said.
"This is the sole practical road route into the valley but the bridge's current 28.5-tonne weight restriction forces businesses to split loads, stockpile forestry products or find costly alternatives for moving heavy equipment.
"A modern replacement will remove that bottleneck and provide safer, more resilient access for vehicles of up to 50 tonnes," Patterson said.
South Island Minister James Meager said the investment strengthened the wider region.
"Replacing Monowai bridge will strengthen the region's resilience, keep people connected, support agriculture, forestry, tourism and recreation, and provide more reliable maintenance access to the Monowai hydro station," Meager said.
"The funding recognises the bridge's importance as a public asset that supports regional economic activity, community access and the reliability of critical infrastructure."
Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds welcomed the outcome.
"Coming from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, this funding will be hugely beneficial for communities in the Western Southland area, supporting tourism, businesses and local farmers," Simmonds said.
" I'm delighted that this support has come through. As the Invercargill MP it has been my privilege to fight to secure this funding for what is a crucial link across the Waiau River.
"For Southland infrastructure like this is essential and it's great that the government has chosen to support it.
"The Monowai Bridge keeps our rural communities and businesses connected, providing critical access for the Monowai Hydro Power station, the forestry sector and local farmers - while also allowing people to enjoy some of the regions outstanding recreational destinations, including access to Borland Lodge.
"The bridge's current weight limit is 28.5 tonnes, which restricts its use. This funding will see the bridge rebuilt, enable access to heavy vehicles up to 50 tonnes. Completion is expected by December 2027."
Temporary access arrangements during construction will be investigated and widely publicised before work begins.