Nelson City Council

Bridge to Better - the next 18 months

Construction on the Bridge to Better project will continue through 2026 and into 2027, with work progressing in different stages along the street.

January/February 2026

In January, works re-started on Rutherford Street, Halifax Street and Paru Paru Road, where major underground water and wastewater connections are being completed, and a temporary pump station is being installed.

From 9 February, work moved into Haven Road between Rutherford Street and Bridge Street. To mark this work, a mauri stone will be laid near the intersection of Bridge Street and Haven Road to represent the life force of the place and signal the start of work on Bridge Street itself.

As 2026 progresses, work will continue in sections along Bridge Street, with some stages overlapping as underground infrastructure is installed.

The project involves a full reconstruction of the street from shopfront to shopfront, including replacement of water, wastewater and stormwater services below the road, followed by construction of new road surfaces, footpaths and public spaces above.

June 2026

Come winter, Bridge Street is expected to be closed to vehicles between Rutherford Street and Collingwood Street. This full closure will be triggered when works move into the Trafalgar Street and Bridge Street intersection, which close for a few months while underground services and surface works are completed. Once this is finished, the intersection will reopen, however Bridge Street will remain closed to vehicles through to the end of the year, reopening for the summer holiday shutdown period.

December 2026

Construction is planned to pause over summer, with Bridge Street reopening to vehicles in December 2026. Remaining works will then continue in 2027.

For the latest updates, visit shape.nelson.govt.nz/bridge-better

Bridge to Better begins on Haven Road

From Monday 9 February, Haven Road will be closed between Rutherford Street and Bridge Street, and between Rutherford Street and St Vincent Street (alongside Anzac Park), as the next stage of the Bridge to Better project begins.

Businesses in these areas will remain open, and pedestrian access will be maintained.

Wakatu Lane will not be accessible from Rutherford Street during this time, however Achilles Ave will remain open. Alternative access will be clearly signposted.

For more information about the Bridge to Better project, visit shape.nelson.govt.nz/bridge-better