SH53 Tauwharenīkau Bridge repairs
Work is now underway to repair the Lower Tauwharenīkau Bridge on State Highway 53, near Featherston, which is likely to be completed by July 2024.
During a regular safety check it was found that the bearings on the Tauwharenīkau Bridge had corroded, meaning they need to be replaced to ensure the bridge is safe for road users.
The repair works is going to take place over a series of stages which will have impacts on road users and residents who live near the bridge.
What you need to know
- The bridge is currently on jacks and has been closed to heavy vehicles.
- Following multiple breaches of the road closure the bridge will be closed to all traffic 24/7.
- 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.
Detour route
Use Camp Road, State Highway 2 and No.1 Line for the detour route, as per the below map. The detour route is expected to add time to travel times, so we encourage people to plan ahead and expect delays at times.
