Culverts and bridges over waterways offer many benefits. They make travel times faster for stock and reduce stress on cows, lowering their risk of lameness. They may also allow new opportunities for farm management and improve the value of your farm.

These elevated crossings make a difference to the stream environment as well. They prevent stock damage to the stream bed and protect the stream habitat for fish and insects. They also improve water quality by reducing the amount of sediment and effluent getting into the stream from stock.

Here are some general principles and guidelines for building culverts and bridges. You are strongly advised to get independent technical advice for any work to span waterways greater than two metres wide.