Bypass Project
Ashburton Hakatere River
Bypass Project
Ashburton Hakatere River
Hakatere Bypass
Ashburton Hakatere River
Current Tinwald Bridge
The cost of Ashburton's proposed second bridge has risen to $170m. To tackle the growing traffic congestion, the Hakatere Bypass initiative, led by Jeff Ryan and the HA project group, is exploring solutions. Residents are concerned about increased pollution, noise, and potential hazards from the councils new proposed "Chalmers Rd" that will degrade the neighbourhood. Through the Hakatere Bypass Initiative we will collaborate with the local council and community to develop plans that prioritize the welfare of all Ashburton residents.
Our solution is to only use the new bridge running through Chalmers Ave for locals, emergency services and local contractors. Speed restrictions will be put in place during school opening and closing hours.
Planning is in place for a new State Highway one bypassing Ashburton and forming a proposed Southern Link which will include new bridges on all rivers from the Rakaia River to Pareora. This Highway will be a toll road and will bypass Ashburton, Temuka and Timaru.

Bypass Ashburton Bridge
The Hakatere Bypass is coming… With local insight and practical experience the HB team has begun taking on Ashburtonians long standing issue of TRAFFIC CONGESTION GRID LOCKING THE TOWN!
THE Chalmers Ave bridge will ease the current traffic problems but will not stop the towns growing traffic congestion and travel delays.
A much needed by-pass is the only sensible option. With new bridges on all our rivers replacing the ageing State Highway One Bridges.
JOIN us on this journey of growth for the Hakatere Ashburton Region

Building a brighter Ashburton with a Whole solution approach.
We don’t want a band-aid on Ashburton!
We are focused on fostering meaningful discussions with local businesses and residents from Ashburton focusing on their unique needs. From understanding regulatory changes to catalysing innovation and growth in the town. The Hakatere Ashburton Bypass is the only solution "the introduction of the Bypass and will catapolt the areas growth". Let's work together achieving impactful results that matter locally.

Stage 1
Develop robust strategies that align with Ashburton's dynamic market.
Stage 2
Embrace transformation with this innovative solution.
Stage 3
Engage with community and council for transparent growth. Have a voice that resonates locally.
Bridge over troubled waters!
The river is in dire need of manintenace…
Bypass vs bridge: Ashburton’s 15-year transport saga.
The decision to support a Bypass is rooted in the community’s unique characteristics.
Guiding the Hakatere region to improve theeir landscape as well as their own backyards.
Dispel the myth that a simple second bridge would solve the ongoing issues in the region.
We know this landscape intimitely from the needs of the farming community to the ‘truckies’ who routinely drive our roads.
Photo courtesy of RNZ.co.nz
Meet the local
bypass team
The Ashburton Hakatere Bypass team is forming due to a shared experience as locals who are as passionate about Ashburton as you are. Their diverse skills and local knowledge ensure an effective solution project is getting underway in 2025.


Speak Up Ashburton
Hakatere Bypass Initiative means having your say on your local environment. What does it mean to you to keep the village feel alive in Ashburton Chalmers Road.

“Enter a testimonial text here from a real customer here. Make sure that it's authentic and relevant to your audience and their needs. It is best to keep it brief and to the point. Make sure the testimonial isn't too long. One paragraph should be plenty enough to read."
John Miller

“Enter a testimonial text here from a real customer here. Make sure that it's authentic and relevant to your audience and their needs. It is best to keep it brief and to the point. Make sure the testimonial isn't too long. One paragraph should be plenty enough to read."
Sally Grey

“Enter a testimonial text here from a real customer here. Make sure that it's authentic and relevant to your audience and their needs. It is best to keep it brief and to the point. Make sure the testimonial isn't too long. One paragraph should be plenty enough to read."
Helen Collier
Ashburtons a great place to live
Let's make positive change to our rivers and free up traffic congestion.
offers a wide range of experiences to visitors and locals. Let's see positive change to or roads.