Infrastructure Cook Islands (ICI) will be carrying out remedial works on the island’s eight bridges, including culvert structures, in the coming months.

ICI secretary Elizabeth Wright-Koteka revealed this while commenting on the recent maintenance work carried out on the Ngatoe – Sheraton West Bridge in Vaimaanga.

Wright-Koteka says ICI will be undertaking a bridge maintenance programme targeting repairs to eight bridges/culvert structures. 

These bridges include The Rarotongan, Murivai stream, Avatiu valley, Takuvaine valley, Paua road in Muri, Avana main road and valley. 

ICI will put out notifications when these works commence. 

Wright-Koteka also explained that the work undertaken on the Ngatoe – Sheraton West Bridge earlier this month was a “temporary measure until such a time that a new bridge is constructed”.

In July 2023, repair work was carried out on the Ngatoe – Sheraton West Bridge which included installing a support structure to “lengthen the lifespan of the bridge”.

Wright-Koteka then clarified that the bridge was not intended for reconstruction in 2023, but rather to receive maintenance work only. She refuted claims that the bridge was in critical condition.

This week, Wright-Koteka explained that the recent work undertaken over the past two weeks was a continuation of the previous bridge strengthening and this phase of work had been completed.

Access to the bridge was restricted to one way traffic during this construction phase.

“Traffic management measures are put into place when they are necessary to ensure the safety of road users and also contractors doing the work,” Wright-Koteka said. “For example, the recent work actually took two weeks, one way traffic measure was in place for five days.”

She acknowledged the public for their understanding and patience as ICI continue its work to improve the island’s infrastructure.

The public will be informed when the next phase of works for this bridge will commence.