Key Central Hawke’s Bay bridge reopens to heavy vehicles

Central Hawke’s Bay Mayor Alex Walker and Campbell Allan and Andrew Quigley from CHBDC contractors Stantec at the reopening of the Patangata Bridge.

Trucks, buses and other heavy vehicles can now use Patangata Bridge after it reopened to vehicles up to 44 tonnes this week.

Of the 69 bridges damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle, the 99-year-old Patangata Bridge was one of several that suffered significantly. It was closed after the cyclone for assessment, then reopened with a 3.5 tonne weight limit, due to the risk of further damage.

Central Hawke’s Bay Mayor Alex Walker said restoring full access to the bridge has been a top priority for the council and a collaborative effort with community and contracting partners to strengthen it.

“As the primary connection between Elsthorpe, Kairakau and the townships of Waipawa, Patangata and Otāne, the bridge is an important lifeline for our communities. It not only serves locals travelling to work and school, but it is a vital link for our rural economy,” Mayor Walker says.

Patangata Bridge in Central Hawke’s Bay, a casualty of February’s Cyclone Gabrielle. Photo / Warren Buckland

“The restricted weight limit has seen on average 30 trucks a day having to face lengthy detours to reach the areas they need to service and closures throughout the strengthening period.

“A huge thank you to our local communities for their patience. We have appreciated your support and understanding as we have fixed this vital asset for our district.”

Mayor Walker said as part of its recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle, the council will be looking at how they can improve the long-term resilience of the bridge and other key networks to support full access in future weather events.

“The $35.9 million we received from Waka Kotahi runs through to the end of June and was earmarked for improving resilience over winter and restoring heavy vehicle access for nine high-priority routes, including the bridge.

“We are acutely aware that the damage extends beyond these areas. We still have around $115 million worth of roading damage across the district that we need funding for. The funding announced over the weekend from central government for roading repairs is welcome and we look forward to further announcements about how and when we can access these funds.”

Mayor Walker said once they have this detail, the council will be back out to the nine localities they have recently met with as part of their Community Conversations.

“There will be decisions we need to make together about our approach to rebuilding roads and bridges, and where we need to focus the additional funding we get as a district across the roading network.”

The council has just completed a first round of Community Conversations across nine localities last month, which it used to inform the first edition of a recovery locality plan.

The second edition, which is due for completion in the second half of the year, will be built on more direct consultation with the community and have a much longer-term focus.

People can subscribe to recovery updates here https://www.chbdc.govt.nz/our-council/cyclone-gabrielle/