Waitangi Bridge, on SH51 near Clive, has reopened to both lanes. Photo / Hastings District Council
Waitangi Bridge, on SH51 near Clive, has reopened to both lanes. Photo / Hastings District Council
An important link between Napier and Hastings - the Waitangi Bridge on SH51 near Clive - has reopened to both lanes in a move which is hoped will alleviate traffic congestion.
Along with the Hawke’s Bay Expressway (SH2), it is the only other link between the twin cities following the widespread destruction of local roads caused by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Meanwhile, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says it still has no re-opening date for SH5 Napier-Taupo Rd which has been closed for almost three weeks.
However, the national transport agency has hinted “we hope to be in a better position later in the week to confirm next steps” regarding SH5.
The Waitangi Bridge near Clive has been operating as a single-lane bridge in recent weeks but passed an inspection on Friday to reopen to both lanes at a reduced speed of 30km/h.
It is hoped the move will alleviate traffic congestion which has seen travel times blow out between Napier and Hastings, particularly during school pick up and drop off and either side of the working day.
Waitangi Bridge on SH51 has reopened to both lanes. Photo / Ian Cooper
That bridge will be closed tonight and Monday night between 7.30pm and 8pm for safety inspections, and overnight Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week between 9pm and 5am for work on gas pipelines.
“We realise how important this route is and want to thank our bridge engineers and contractors on their efforts to get this bridge open as quickly as they have,” Andre Taylor, Waka Kotahi Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne journey manager, said.
“If you’re using the bridge, please adhere to the 30km/h temporary speed limit in place.”
Update on SH5
A large dropout on SH5 near Glengarry last week marked a big setback for the reopening of SH5 Napier-Taupo Rd, but a bypass road has now been set up around that slip.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has built the temporary bypass on private property.
The bypass road around the large dropout along SH5 near Glengarry. Photo / Waka Kotahi
“We really appreciate the willingness of the landowner to allow us to create this alternative,” Jaclyn Hankin, the Waka Kotahi Hawke’s Bay regional manager for maintenance and operations, said.
“This bypass is now being used for emergency services, emergency supplies and residents but it’s not yet open to the general public.
“Contractors will this week be ensuring the safety of this bypass for road users and we hope to be in a better position later in the week to confirm next steps.”
Marshall’s Bridge just west of Eskdale, the worst-hit bridge on SH5 Napier-Taupo Rd during the cyclone, was repaired last week.
“While the road remains closed, contractors will take the opportunity to continue clearing the bridge to open a second lane.”
SH2 between Eskdale and Wairoa also remains closed, as does SH38 between Wairoa and Lake Waikaremoana (heading toward Rotorua).
