Ruakituri Road open again after bridge strengthened

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

THE Ruakituri Road is open to traffic again.

The road had been closed for the past three weeks while restrengthening of the Doughboy Bridge took place.

Wairoa District Council interim chief executive Kitea Tipuna said the Doughboy Bridge was assessed under the council’s bridge strengthening and assessment programme, which was funded through the Provincial Growth Funding.

The bridge deck was identified as not having the required strength to meet the changes around HPMV (high productivity motor vehicles) ratios.

The assessment and re-decking of the bridge cost around $260,000 and was paid for through the Provincial Growth Fund at no cost to ratepayers.

Mr Tipuna thanked people who were affected by the closure for their patience while the work was carried out.

He also acknowledged the efficient work of council staff and contractors.