Traffic using new Motu Bridge now

The new $6.5 million bridge over the Motu River on State Highway 2 west of Matawai was opened to traffic last week and the New Zealand Transport Agency says the focus now is on completing the approach works. The old single-lane bridge, pictured right, will be removed. Picture supplied

The new Motu Bridge on State Highway 2 west of Matawai had traffic travelling over it last week and the $6.5 million project remains on track to be fully completed shortly.

Construction of the new bridge started in October 2016.

The old Motu Bridge was built in the 1930s and has been the last one-lane bridge on State Highway 2 between Gisborne and Opotiki.

“The structural bridge work itself is now fully completed, but the road is yet to be surfaced,” said New Zealand Transport Agency project manager Erdinc Atalay.

“The project has reached a milestone in its construction, with traffic now able to use it.”

The old bridge will be removed.

Mr Atalay said the contractors were now focused on completing work on the approaches to the new structure.

“The approaches are on track to be finished up to Te Wera in May and tied in to the south end.

“Soft ground conditions encountered at the south end of the project have required some design adjustment and the need for some further work on one of the approaches,” he said.

“However, this will not impact on the opening of the bridge to full traffic in May.”

The new bridge was designed by Hamilton-based company Bloxam, Burnett and Olliver, and the project was funded by the Crown as part of the previous Government’s Accelerated Regional Roading Programme.