Pekatahi Bridge Reopens with New Surface and 30km/h Speed Limit

State Highway 2 Pekatahi Bridge has reopened to traffic after a six-day closure that allowed crews to complete a major package of maintenance work aimed at improving the bridge’s driving surface and ensuring it remains safe and reliable.

The 325-metre-long one-lane bridge reopened at noon on Thursday, 9 July, following a continuous closure that began on Saturday, 4 July.

This reopened the bridge ahead of the Matariki public holiday period.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Area Manager Sandra King praised the maintenance crews, who worked around the clock through varying weather conditions to complete the project.

The maintenance involved removing the bridge’s diagonal timber wearing boards using small excavators, while all nails and screws were carefully removed by hand.

Crews also installed temporary ramps at both ends of the bridge to accommodate the now-lower bridge deck and repaired a damaged side rail.

Motorists are being advised that the bridge will feel different to drive across following the resurfacing work. A temporary 30km/h speed limit remains in place, and drivers are urged to adjust their speed to suit conditions, particularly during wet weather when the timber surface may become slippery.

Motorcyclists are being encouraged to take extra care as they become familiar with the bridge’s new surface.

NZTA will closely monitor the performance of the upgraded surface over the coming weeks and assess whether additional friction treatment is required.

If successful, this could allow the temporary speed limit to be increased in the future.

The agency thanked the local community, freight operators and all road users for their patience during the closure.

It also acknowledged the Whakatāne District Council for supporting the detour route by allowing local roads to be used during the bridge closure.

Although the maintenance work has extended the bridge’s operational life, NZTA says regular inspections will continue until a permanent replacement is constructed.

Earlier this month, on Tuesday, 7 July, NZTA awarded Beca the contract to continue detailed design and consenting work for a new two-lane replacement bridge.

The planned bridge will be built alongside the existing crossing, allowing traffic to continue using the current bridge throughout construction and avoiding extended road closures.

NZTA expects the project to be ready for construction by mid-2027, positioning it for funding consideration through the 2027–30 National Land Transport Programme.

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

The reopening marks an important milestone for one of the Bay of Plenty’s key transport links, while planning continues for a modern replacement designed to improve safety, reliability and traffic flow for years to come.