Stick to the limits on Bailey bridges says NZTA

Overweight vehicles have been reportedly crossing the Hikuwai Bailey bridge on SH35, and NZTA Waka Kotahi is reminding operators to make sure they adhere to the weight and speed restrictions there. File picture

Heavy transport operators have been reminded to stick to bridge weight restrictions in place in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay.

A weight restriction remains in place on one highway bridge in this region and on two in Hawke’s Bay.

The Hikuwai Bailey bridge on State Highway 35 north of Tolaga Bay is limited to general access and 50MAX.

“Overweight and over dimension are by permit only with a 10kmh speed limit and one heavy vehicle at a time policy,” said NZTA Waka Kotahi journey manager for Hawke’s Bay, Andre Taylor.

In the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, Hikuwai No. 1 bridge on SH35 and Waikare Gorge Bridge on SH2, were destroyed.

In their place now are Bailey bridges, until permanent solutions are constructed.

The Waikare Gorge Bailey bridge on State Highway 2, south of Wairoa, also remains limited to general access and 50MAX.

Like the Hikuwai Bailey bridge, overweight and over dimension vehicles at the Waikare bridge are by permit only, and only one heavy vehicle at a time is allowed. The  10kmh speed limit also applies.

Ngaruroro River Bridge (Fernhill) on State Highway 50, has a speed restriction in place of 30kmh and a weight restriction dependent on the vehicle’s axles.

“These bridges have clearly-marked weight restrictions in place for a reason,” Mr Taylor said.

“The weight and speed restrictions are in place to preserve the life of the bridges. They are going to be here for a number of years until the permanent solutions are designed and constructed, so we need to look after them.

“We know the majority of operators are conscious of the restrictions and continue to adhere to them. However, we know of one instance where police have stopped a vehicle travelling across the Fernhill Bridge recently, well in excess of the signposted restrictions.”

Police have taken enforcement action against that company.

“We’ve had unconfirmed reports of overweight vehicles using Hikuwai and Waikare Bailey bridges,” Mr Taylor said.

“This is a timely reminder that these restrictions are in place, and we will continue to work with New Zealand Police to enforce these bridge restrictions.

“Adhering to those restrictions is a really important part of ensuring the bridges remain open and accessible to all road users. The last thing we all want or need is further restrictions on the bridges.” Mr Taylor said.