The hole in the bridge over the Tauherenikau River on State Highway 53 is estimated to be about 75cm wide. Photo / Wairarapa Times Age
The hole in the bridge over the Tauherenikau River on State Highway 53 is estimated to be about 75cm wide. Photo / Wairarapa Times Age
A hole in a bridge has closed a section of State Highway 53.
The bridge, which goes over the Tauherenikau River between Featherston and Martinborough, was shut just before 3pm today.
The hole is an estimated 75cm wide.
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), which manages the state highway, saidheavy rain last Friday raised water levels in the Tauherenikau River, undermining the road near the bridge.
After a structural assessment by engineers, contractors will start repairs.
South Wairarapa District Council infrastructure and services group manager Mark Allingham said Fulton Hogan and NZTA were on site promptly, evaluating the bridge.
He could not confirm when the road would be reopened but said it would most probably remain closed tomorrow.