Seddonville’s Chasm No 3 Bridge to be replaced in late October

The Chasm No 3 Bridge on Charming Creek Road near Seddonville has reached the end of its serviceable life, and replacement works are scheduled to commence in late October.

The current bridge, built in 1960, spans a tributary to Chasm Creek. Replacement of the bridge’s deck and base is expected to begin on 21 October and run until 4 November. A two- week road closure will be necessary to complete the project.

Group Manager Infrastructure Services Anthony Blom says: “The work will involve replacing the existing timber bridge deck with a durable precast concrete structure, including a new base in the stream, which will improve the bridge’s long-term performance and overall resilience.”

The in-stream works will be carried out in accordance with West Coast Regional Council resource consent conditions.

“Once completed, the bridge works will ensure the Chasm No 3 Bridge meets rural load-carrying capacity, and the necessary requirements for rural bridges subject to light traffic flows without speed restrictions” continues Mr Blom.

Local contractor WestReef Services Limited has been awarded the contract for this work, and the $96,000 project has NZ Transport Agency – Waka Kotahi approval, forming part of the National Land Transport Programme 2024-27 bridge component replacement programme.

NZTA’s contribution is based on the 75% funding assistance rate for local roads, with Buller District Council contributing the remaining 25%.

This bridge replacement project follows on from other bridge upgrades completed earlier this year in the Charming Creek area, with the planned completion of the current work being early December 2026.

Charming Creek Road will be closed just before the Chasm No 3 bridge, 4.6 km from Seddonville between Wednesday 21 October until Wednesday 4 November. Access to the road end and the Seddonville end of the Charming Creek walkway will be unavailable during this time.

-ENDS-

For further information please contact:
Community Engagement Team
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz 

Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.