A National Government will start construction on a new bridge between Ashburton and Tinwald in our first term, National’s Transport spokesperson Simeon Brown says.

“There are currently two options under consideration – replacing the existing bridge on State Highway 1 or building a new bridge on Chalmers Avenue to the East of Tinwald.

“National will instruct NZTA to engage with the Ashburton community and council to determine the best option and ensure construction is underway within three years.

“A new bridge is crucial for the resilience of the roading network in the South Island and will alleviate the ongoing disruptions caused to motorists when the current bridge is flooded.

“The floods that occurred in Ashburton in 2021 greatly affected supply chains and emergency services, demonstrating how critical this connection – which takes 24,000 vehicles a day - is for the South Island. 

“A new Ashburton bridge will deliver strong economic benefits to Ashburton and the surrounding South Island communities.

“Building resilience into the roading network will be a top priority for a National government and today’s announcement is the first of many projects making up National’s comprehensive transport plan. Funding for this project will be announced as part of our Transport and Infrastructure policy.

“National has a proud track record of delivering high-quality transport projects to drive positive economic and social outcomes for New Zealand. National delivered the Waikato Expressway, Transmission Gully, the Christchurch Motorway network and electrified the Auckland Rail Network.

“National is committed to improved transport for the people of Canterbury.”