Pekatahi Bridge Replacement Moves Closer as Investigations Begin

NZTA said geotechnical investigations and design works are underway for the new Pekatahi Bridge.

NZTA Regional Manager System Design for the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, Susan Collins said the start of geotechnical investigations into ground conditions is bringing the construction of the new Pekatahi Bridge one step closer. 

“Over the next few months, you may see various activities around the area predominantly next to the existing bridge and beside the river as this work is undertaken," she said. 

Teams will be using information from the investigations to create detailed, resilient designs built to last, she said. 

“The new bridge will use a proven design and readily available materials, making it efficient and cost‑effective to build," she said. 

Work has also begun to secure consents ahead of construction, expected to begin in mid-2027 when funding becomes available.

Once design works and funding are finalised, the bridge is expected to take 18 months to build. 

This work will be taking place alongside scheduled quarterly maintenance next week.

Pekatahi Bridge will be closed for five days from Monday April 13th, to Friday April 17th, while crews undertake deck repairs and install a new side rail. 

During this period, the bridge will be closed to all traffic daily from 8:30am to 4:30pm.

A detour will be in place for all traffic via Whakatāne. 

NZTA said once the maintenance work is complete, the deck surface will remain rough and will not provide a smooth driving experience. 

"This maintenance work is focused on managing safety risks and extending the life of the bridge until the replacement bridge is completed," it said. 

Saftey inspections will increasing and crews will carry out minor repairs without causing major disruption outside of quarterly maintenance. 

Full plank replacement can only happen when the bridge is fully closed during quarterly maintenance, it said. 

Project teams continue to review installation options for steel plates, as this work would require full bridge closures for an extended period.