The Pekatahi Bridge is set to see a New $14 Million Upgrade

The infamous State Highway 2 Pekatahi Bridge, near Tāneatua will be getting a new upgrade, as the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has confirmed new funding.

The bridge will be getting a full deck replacement, off the back of a range of complaints due to the bridges conditions, and constant need for maintenance works.

NZTA Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations, Roger Brady explains that the new deck for the one laned bridge will improve overall safety.

"By reducing the risk of damage to vehicles and cut the need for frequent closures for ongoing repairs, supporting more reliable journey times for locals and freight to Tairāwhiti, the Bay of Plenty and Port of Tauranga,” Brady Added.

“We have listened to the freight industry and community concerns about the condition of the Pekatahi Bridge and re-prioritised to secure funding for deck construction.” 

The design stage for the new bridge is currently underway and expected to be completed within the coming months, with construction scheduled for early 2026.

“Once the deck replacement and structural maintenance is completed, it will significantly extend the life of the bridge by another 20 years,” Mr Brady says. 

The cost of the replacement is expected to be around $14 million, however this along with a project timeline is yet to be confirmed.

“This is the most practical solution to address the current issues quickly while funding is constrained. A new and more durable deck will improve safety and quality and extend the bridge’s lifespan without overloading the structure,” Mr Brady says. 

The proposed new deck will be made of plywood panels, bolted in place, limiting movement and subsequent breakage of the new surface. The deck replacement work will require full closure of Pekatahi Bridge for a significant period of time.