Pekatahi Bridge Closure Begins Tomorrow

NZTA say crews will undertake surface and rail repairs during full closure from Saturday morning until midday Thursday July 9.

Pekatahi Bridge will be fully closed from Saturday morning until midday next Thursday to allow essential maintenance work to be completed.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said scheduling the closure during the school holidays would help minimise disruption to school travel and regular journeys.

Traffic management will be in place before the closure begins at 8.30am on Saturday, and motorists are advised to follow directions from traffic management crews while the site is being set up.

NZTA said a full closure would allow crews to complete multiple jobs at once, rather than carrying out smaller projects that would cause more frequent disruptions.

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.

"Once complete, drivers may notice a slightly different surface at the bridge approaches," NZTA said.

"The work is designed to provide a smoother and more reliable crossing than the current deck."

The bridge is expected to reopen at midday on Thursday, July 9.

Pekatahi Bridge closure detour route. IMAGE: NZTA

During the closure, a detour will be in place for all vehicles, including emergency services, freight, and high productivity motor vehicles. 

Northbound and southbound traffic will be diverted via Tāneatua Road, Valley Road, Arawa Road, Hinemoa Street and State Highway 30 through Awakeri.

The detour is expected to add up to 20 minutes to travel times.