Waitangi Bridge on SH51 between Napier and Clive has opened again to two lanes.
The bridge has been reduced to single lane traffic since being opened in the days following Cyclone Gabrielle.
Roading contractors and bridge engineers have been load testing the bridge today, using heavily laden trucks.
“We’re really pleased the bridge has passed today’s strenuous testing and can now be opened to two lanes of traffic,” says Andre Taylor, Waka Kotahi Hawke’s Bay & Gisborne Journey Manager.
“If you’re using the bridge, please adhere to the 30km/h temporary speed limit in place. The reduced speed is in place as delineation posts are on the shoulder of the northbound lane, resulting in a slightly narrower lane.
“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. We also wish to thank the Hawke’s Bay public for their understanding while this route was reduced to one lane, and closed for the testing.”
Further monitoring will be undertaken for half an hour between 7.30 and 8pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday this week - this will again require a full road closure and is to continue to monitor the bridge, and safety for all those utilizing it.
The bridge will also close overnight from Tuesday the 7th – Friday 10th March from 9pm – 5am while contractors work to further secure the gas pipeline to the bridge. We’ll send another reminder closer to then.
Photos below show today’s work on Waitangi Bridge to load test the bridge.
