A temporary road has been created at the Hikuwai Bridge site on State Highway 35 and traffic will be switched over to it on Tuesday. Photo / Supplied
A temporary road has been created at the Hikuwai Bridge site on State Highway 35 and traffic will be switched over to it on Tuesday. Photo / Supplied
Transport Rebuild East Coast crews working on the Hikuwai Bridge replacement project north of Tolaga Bay on SH35 have completed construction of a 250-metre-long temporary road at the bridge site.
To allow traffic to use this new route, a traffic switch will take place next Tuesday, August 26, around 6pm.
“Following the switch, road users will be redirected onto the new stretch of road,” NZ Transport Agency said in a statement.
“It will provide a larger, safer work space for crews working on the replacement bridge.”
The traffic switch will be carried out under stop/go traffic management, with a delay of about 5-10 minutes expected.
“Although the realignment is minor, motorists are reminded to drive with care while adjusting to the new road layout and follow the 30 km/h speed limit currently in place.”
Previously, a temporary 85m Bailey bridge was in place since 2023 after the original Hikuwai Bridge No 1, about 83km north of Gisborne and 20km north of Tolaga Bay, was damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle.
The replacement bridge is expected to be completed by mid-2026.
