Design Contract Signals Progress on SH2 Pekatahi Bridge Replacement

A design contract has been awarded for the replacement two-lane Pekatahi Bridge, marking a new milestone in this important piece of infrastructure planned for the eastern Bay of Plenty.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced on Tuesday, 7 July, that Beca has been awarded the design contract by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).

Bishop said the current single-lane bridge has “served the region well”, carrying more than 2,000 vehicles a day, with around 21% of them being heavy vehicles; however, it is time for a replacement.

“The proposed new 325-metre-long, two-lane bridge will improve safety, resilience, and reliability for local communities and freight,” he said.

“NZTA have continued to work at pace since I confirmed late last year a two-lane replacement would be prioritised.

“Awarding a design contract is an important milestone, and I’m pleased Beca has come on board to keep momentum going,” he said.

Bishop stated the new bridge will use a proven and standardised design, and readily available materials, so it can be delivered as “efficiently and cost-effectively” as possible.

To ensure the bridge is resilient to flooding and extreme weather events, the design will include earthquake-resilient foundations and an elevated bridge deck.

He said the new bridge will be built alongside the existing bridge to allow traffic to continue through State Highway 2 during construction and eliminate long-term closures.

“With detailed design and consenting work progressing, NZTA expect the project to be construction-ready by mid-2027 and well positioned for consideration of funding approvals through the 2027–30 National Land Transport Programme.”

“Subject to funding approval, construction is expected to take between 18 and 24 months.”

When the project was announced in December 2025, it was estimated to cost $64–69 million, with funding to come from the NZTA National Land Transport Fund.

Bishop said State Highway 2 is a “vital link” connecting Tairāwhiti with the Bay of Plenty, Hamilton and Auckland.

“While planning for the replacement Pekatahi Bridge progresses, NZTA will continue investing in the existing bridge to ensure it remains safe and reliable for road users,” he said.

“I look forward to work getting underway on the new two-lane bridge and NZTA taking advantage of any opportunity they can to bring this important work forward.”

The bridge is currently undergoing its quarterly maintenance until Thursday, 9 July.

NZTA said the work includes removing the bridge's timber wearing boards, installing new transition treatments at each end of the bridge and repairing damaged side rails.