Work on Tukituki River bridge opens way for bigger trucks

The bridge over the Tukituki River is being strengthened to take heavier vehicles. Photo/File

Fibre-reinforced polymer strips will be used in the restrengthening of the Tukituki River bridge at the northern approach to Waipukurau to enable bigger trucks which are being allowed on New Zealand roads.

The strips will be installed in the strengthening of the 12 concrete beams in a project starting this week, to accommodate High Productivity Motor Vehicle loading.

New Zealand Transport Agency regional transport systems manager Wayne Oldfield said this work will enable State Highway 2 south to be opened up to HPMVs — "effectively meaning more freight on fewer trucks".

Traffic signals will be in place, a 30km/h speed limit will apply, traffic will be reduced to one lane overnight from 6pm, and overweight and over-dimension vehicles have been provided two weekly designated time periods in which they can cross.

Mr Oldfield said that for much of the project, traffic management will likely be the only activity visible to the general public, as the work is happening under the bridge.

"It is important however that traffic management and speed restrictions are followed in order to allow the treatment being applied to cure," he said. "If this does not happen then it will need to be reapplied and the project will be delayed."

The work also includes concrete repairs.