Contractors have begun work on a nearly five-month strengthening programme at the Maharakeke Bridge on State Highway 2 which will allow it to safely take heavier transport vehicles.
NZ Transport Agency regional transport systems manager Wayne Oldfield said the strengthening work on the bridge, which is just south of Waipukurau, would involve the installation of angle iron beneath the structure.
"In order for this to take place contractors will need to drill 6000 holes for the bolts," he said.
The additional strength would enable "high-productivity motor vehicles" to use the bridge.
As the work would be taking place under the bridge the only sign of activity would be the traffic management along the stretch.
Two lanes would still be operating but speed restrictions would be put in place.
For the first 13 weeks the speed limit will vary between 50-70km/h and over the final period of work a 30km/h restriction will be enforced, along with the installation of speed bumps, to allow grout in the bored holes to properly cure.
The project is one of several taking place on SH2.
Just south of Hastings work is progressing on seal widening from Peka Peka to Mahanga as part of a major safety programme which also includes upgrades on sites between Paki Paki and Waipawa which is scheduled to be wrapped up by March next year.
On SH2 north between Waihua and Willowflat Rd seal widening is also being carried out, along with guardrail work.
For contractors called to SH5 between Napier and Taupo the task has been the removals of slip debris which has come down between Eskdale and Te Pohue.
Temporary speed limits and stop-go signalling is in place at the sites and motorists can expect some slight delays in travel.
Delays are still ongoing at the Pakowhai Links roundabout on the expressway where the roundabout is now operating in its final configuration, although only as a single lane at this stage.
Speed limits are in place and while there were still delays for northbound traffic from 3pm onwards during the week they were reducing, an NZTA spokesman said.