The appalling state of the much celebrated Kāpiti Expressway bridges has become a common talking point.
When first proposed, expressway bridges were said to be world class structures – urban monuments to beautify Kāpiti and some more rurally placed would enhance the landscape. Sadly this is largely untrue and the bridges have generally developed into public eyesores.
This is to say nothing of the structural integrity of the bridges and there is no suggestion they are in any way unsound. The case against the current state of the bridges is based on aesthetics and upkeep.
KCNews sent photos of the bridges for comment to Waka Kotahi. Regional Manager, Wellington/Top of the South, Mark Owen, says “The bridges you have identified are currently the responsibility of Waka Kotahi to maintain and clean. They are subject to thorough inspections every two years.”
Mr Owen says “plans are underway to have them cleaned as a priority once resources are available in our busy summer state highway maintenance programme.”
However, he says a specific time for doing this is still to be set as “traffic management will be needed to protect our maintenance crews and road users while this work is done.”
There is a further photo below showing the shocking condition of the Waikanae rail bridge which is the responsibility of Kiwi Rail, and a walk bridge in Paraparaumu which appears to be in excellent condition. The expressway bridge across Raumati Road also appears to be clean.
Mr Owen says Waka Kotahi does encourage the public to report any problems they find on the state highway network. This can be done via:
- phone – 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)
- website – State Highway issue or feedback