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Bridge Street is about to undergo one of the most significant transformations in Nelson’s history. Over the next few years, the Bridge to Better project will upgrade ageing underground infrastructure and reshape the street into a more vibrant, people-friendly place that better supports city growth.
We know this change matters most to those who live, work and trade here and while the project will bring long-term benefits, we also recognise the short-term challenges construction will bring.
You are receiving this email because you’re on our database as a business or property owner affected by the Bridge to Better project. This newsletter is designed to keep you informed as the project progresses.
Current works
Rutherford Street/Halifax Street/Paru Paru Road
Work on the Bridge to Better project restarted in the city centre earlier this month, with construction under way at the corner of Paru Paru Road and Halifax Street, and along Rutherford Street. Traffic management is in place on Halifax Street and Rutherford Street, with layouts similar to those used at the end of 2025.
From Monday 26 January, work on Rutherford Street will extend further along the street, with crews installing new water and wastewater pipes between Achilles Avenue and the Bridge Street intersection as part of the ongoing city centre upgrade. Rutherford Street will remain open to traffic in both directions, however parking will not be available along this section and pedestrian access will be limited. This work is expected to continue until late March.
Achilles Avenue and Wakatu Lane will remain open. The Rutherford Street entrance to Wakatu Lane is expected to close from 9 February, as works move into Haven Road between Rutherford Street and Bridge Street, including the section of Haven Road alongside Anzac Park.
Upcoming works
As we start the New Year, the team from Isaac Construction have already been working hard to make sure work can be completed as efficiently as possible, while minimising impacts on access, customers, and day-to-day operations.
Work is still scheduled to get underway on Haven Road/Wakatu Lane from 9 February, but Isaac Construction has been able to delay closing any part of Bridge Street until March. This means that during February, construction activity will be concentrated in the Haven Road area, allowing Bridge Street businesses to continue operating without road closures during this period.
There has also been a change to the timing of works on the historic brick-lined sewer between Trafalgar Street and Collingwood Street. The pipe liner required for this work is a specialised product manufactured overseas. Once it arrives in New Zealand, it must be installed within a limited timeframe before it begins to harden, meaning the installation window cannot be easily moved.
The manufacturer has confirmed the liner is arriving earlier than expected. As a result, we will need to close Bridge Street between Collingwood and Trafalgar Streets in early March to carry out this work. It will take up to 3 weeks to complete, as they pull the pipe through the brick-lined sewer and then harden it using UV lights (similar to when dentists set a filling).
During the closure, the project team will work to maintain safe pedestrian access where possible, ensure clear signage is in place, and minimise disruption to deliveries and customer access.
Large infrastructure projects are complex, and timing can change. If there are any further updates, we will communicate them as early. Ged will be on site regularly, speaking directly with businesses to ensure information is received and to respond to any concerns.
Thank you for your understanding as we complete this important work.
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