Update 23 April 2024 9:51am
A reminder for Wairarapa residents and drivers travelling between Featherston and Martinborough - the Tauwharenīkau Bridge will be closed during the day for all of May and into early June.
Daytime closures of the bridge on State Highway 53 will be in place between 7 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday, starting Monday, 29 April.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance urge drivers to be aware of the closure and factor it into their travel plans. While local road detours are available, they are longer and will add to journey times.
The closures are needed to allow work crews to replace the bridge’s bearings. This essential maintenance, when completed, will help future-proof the structure and extend its life
While the bridge will be open at night, it will only be available to light vehicles only. A 30 km/h speed restriction will be in place 24/7. Judder bars will also be installed to control traffic speeds.
It is essential that drivers do not exceed the 30 km/h speed limit while the bridge is sitting on temporary bracket supports.
Heavy vehicles must use the detour route at all times.
These restrictions will be in place from Monday, 6 May, when the bridge is lifted onto jacks. They will apply 24/7, including weekends.
9 April 2024 9:09am
With major repairs continuing on the Tauwharenīkau Bridge, Wairarapa drivers need to be ready for road closures and detours on State Highway 53 over the coming weeks.
Bearings on the bridge have been corroding and need to be replaced. Replacing the bearings and repairing the structure will make the bridge safer for all road users.
On Monday, 15 April, work crews will put up scaffolding under the bridge, before installing temporary brackets (22 April), and replacing the bridge’s bearings (from 29 April).
The bridge will be closed to all traffic between 7 am and 5 pm on workdays while this work is underway.
When the bridge is open, it will be for light vehicles only and subject to a 30 km/h temporary speed limit.
Because the bridge will be on jacks, it cannot carry heavy vehicles. Heavy vehicles must use the detour route at all times from Monday, 29 April.
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. Therefore, it is essential that road users factor this into their travel plans.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi acknowledges that the closure will cause disruptions and delays. However, the Tauwharenīkau Bridge is a crucial part of State Highway 53's infrastructure, and it must undergo regular maintenance.
We want to thank drivers for their patience and cooperation while this work is underway.
Further information about this project can be found on our website:
