Work to replace the flood-damaged Waiho Bridge in Franz Josef got underway today.
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is among those helping rebuild the critical tourism and freight link that was partly destroyed in a deluge of rain that hit the West Coast two weeks ago.
The new Waiho Bridge will be the biggest of its kind in the country and the largest the army has reconstructed since World War II.
"There's 52 bays and 170 metres, most of the bridges we do are between 10-12 bays so its epic to be involved in this one," Second Lieutenant Laura Bayfield told 1 NEWS.
The height of the old bridge was raised twice in its 28 years and the NZ Transport Agency is hoping this one will last longer.
"This is just such a dynamic river. If the river gets a mind of its own and wants to go somewhere, it'll go there," Pete Connors of the NZTA said.
There is more heavy rain forecast for tomorrow which may hamper the new bridge's progress.
Those working on the bridge hope to have it reopen on Friday.
SHARE ME