Waikare Gorge Bailey bridge will close for two nights of maintenance work later this month.
Contractors will be working to install new concrete beams over two nights – Tuesday 24 October and Wednesday 25 October.
To minimise disruption for daytime traffic, on both nights the bridge will close at 7pm and reopen at 5am the following day.
Access for emergency services will remain open at all times during this work.
During the closure, the existing beams will be replaced by new, precast beams at the approaches to the bridge on either end.
To minimise disruption onsite and ensure the closure is as quick as possible, the beams are being precast offsite.
Waka Kotahi Hawke’s Bay / Tairāwhiti System Manager Martin Colditz says unfortunately some cracks have developed in the existing beams.
He says the bridge remains structurally sound but it’s important we install new beams to ensure future vibrations from daily traffic are minimised.
“Waikare Gorge Bailey bridge remains a crucial link for State Highway 2 between Napier and Wairoa.
"It’s a timely reminder the bridge can take up to 50MAX vehicles, and we really appreciate the cooperation of those whose vehicles are too heavy to use the bridge.”
Digital display boards outlining the closures will be installed near the bridge and also at Whirinaki in the south and Wairoa in the north.
Meanwhile Transport Rebuild East Coast Alliance (TREC) contractors will be completing work at the old Waikare Bridge from the following week (Monday 30 October) The work involves clearing debris in the surrounding waterway, and the removal of the existing bridge spans to prevent further build up of debris in the area.
Work will take approximately 5-6 weeks to complete (weather permitting).
Crews will be onsite from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday during this time. The site will be managed 24/7 using traffic light stop/go controls. At certain times 5-10 minute delays may be required to enable the 6-wheeler truck and excavator access to remove old sections of the collapsed bridge.
