Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has completed improvements to State Highway 2 between Gisborne and Ōpōtiki to enable High Productivity Motor Vehicles (HPMV) weighing over 44 tonnes to travel the route for the first time, previously under permit only.
“This is a great example of local infrastructure investment that opens new opportunities and improves the resilience of our state highway network,” Director of Regional Relationships Emma Speight says.
“With strengthening of the Aro Aro Bridge in Waioeka Gorge complete, HPMVs can now travel the State Highway 2 route between Gisborne and Opotiki which will reduce the number of trips by allowing for heavier loads.”
The work is part of a $4 million project to strengthen six bridges along the route, bringing them up to HPMV standard. It has been funded by the National Land Transport Fund and Provincial Growth Fund, is part of the Tairawhiti Roading package.
Aro Aro Bridge is the first to be fully completed, with work to continue on the remaining bridges over the next three years:
“This work will support regional industries and local communities and in the post Covid-19 recovery phase, improved freight capacity will help businesses and residents get back to normal more quickly,” Ms Speight says.
Motorists are advised that there will be temporary speed limits in place during the works, with some delays expected.
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