The Department of Conservation has plans underway to upgrade the Blue Pools and Rob Roy bridges, and replace the Makarora Bridge.

All three bridges were temporarily closed earlier this year for safety reasons.

The Blue Pools and Rob Roy bridges require upgrades to ensure there are measures in place should a key component fail, while the Makarora bridge has reached the end of its operational life, a DOC spokesperson said.

DOC has been working with engineers on the design and remedial work since the closures. 

The engineering design for Blue Pools Bridge, Makarora River Bridge and the boardwalk connecting the two is nearing completion, DOC said.

The replacement boardwalk will improve visitor flows in the vicinity of the bridges and reduce bottlenecks previously experienced. 

DOC is soon to put in a Request for Tender, after which it will apply for building consents, finalise a business case, and confirm suppliers before construction begins. 

“We anticipate on the ground works to commence in the early New Year and take around 12 weeks,” the DOC spokesperson said. 

“However, this is subject to change – weather, supply issues and other delays may mean things take longer or shorter.”

DOC is in the process of gathering further geotechnical information about Rob Roy Bridge before progressing engineering and design work.

PHOTO: Supplied