Wairoa and Napier to be reconnected three months on from Gabrielle

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

Three months on from the devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle, Wairoa and Napier will be reconnected when State Highway 2 reopens on Sunday.

For now, the road will only be open from 7am to 6pm.

A blessing of the new Bailey bridge by Ngāti Pāhauwera and Maungaharuru-Tangitu Trust takes place on Saturday at 10am. All are welcome to attend.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency said work to restore access along the cyclone-damaged stretch of highway had progressed faster than anticipated, with favourable weather helping to accelerate construction of the Waikare Gorge Bailey bridge.

While construction of the Bailey bridge has been continuing, contractors have worked on a number of other damaged sites, including Devil’s Elbow, as well as clearing landslips and debris, and other works to make the road safe.

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said it was great news and brought some normality to the district.

“Being able to cross the river and see one another is incredible news for our community.

“It is important that we reconnect our whānau and it also helps our businesses with supplies,” Mr Little said.

Waka Kotahi regional manager of maintenance and operations Jaclyn Hankin said the progress was a testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved who knew how crucial the route was to so many people throughout Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti.

“Restoring this access has been an absolute priority for Waka Kotahi,” Ms Hankin said.

“Cyclone Gabrielle caused significant damage across the state highway network in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay, and we’ve worked hard to restore access as quickly and safely as possible.

“This stretch of SH2 initially saw damage to almost 100 sites — the most damage suffered of any of our regions’ roads,” she said.

“While we understand just how important it has been to get the road open as quickly as possible, it has been crucial to take the time to ensure the road is as safe and resilient as it possibly can be following so much damage.

“The road will look very different from the way it did before the cyclone and we’re still finalising what traffic management and restrictions may be in place to help keep everyone safe and allow our crews to continue repairs to the road,” Ms Hankin said.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council chair Hinewai Omsby welcomed the news.

“Reconnecting Wairoa with the rest of the region is critical to our path forward as we recover from the effects of the cyclone.”