Bridge repairs continue on Tauwharenīkau Bridge, State Highway 53

UPDATE 12 March: Due to forecast bad weather, the road closure initially scheduled for this Thursday (14 March) has been brought forward to tomorrow (Wednesday, 13 March).

The closure will be in place between 7 am and 5 pm.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance apologise for the late change in scheduling. However, these works are weather-dependent and bad weather can affect the timing of our projects on the state highway network.

Updates on the highway’s status can be found on the Waka Kotahi website.

• Highway Conditions - Wellington/Wairarapa(external link)

7 March

Wairarapa drivers are encouraged to be ready for the next stage of Wellington Transport Alliance repair works on the Tauwharenīkau Bridge on State Highway 53.

Repairs on the bridge have been in progress since January. Work crews need to replace corroded bearings on the structure, a job that will take until July to fully complete.

• Repairs and closure planned for Tauwharenikau Bridge – State Highway 53 (media release 18 January)

The next phase of work requires two 12-hour daytime closures of the bridge to allow work crews to carry out water blasting and scaffolding work. These closures will happen on Monday 11 March, and Thursday 14 March. They will run from 7am to 7pm.

While local road detours will be available via Camp Road and No1 Line, the bridge and highway closure will mean drivers heading to and from Martinborough can expect longer travel times. It is essential road users factor this into their travel plans.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi appreciates that the closure will create disruptions and delays. However, the Tauwharenīkau Bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure on State Highway 53, and it is essential that it be properly maintained.

We want to thank drivers for their patience and cooperation while this work is underway.

Detour details and detour map

• While the bridge is closed, all traffic will need to detour via Camp Road, State Highway 2 and No.1 Line back onto SH53.
• Heavy vehicles including semi-trucks will need to avoid using Camp Road as a detour, and instead use SH2 and No.1 Line.
• Residents can access their properties at all times during the closures.
• Heavy vehicles will not be able to travel over the bridge during concrete repairs and bearing replacement work