Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises State Highway 30 will be closed approximately 13 kilometres south of Te Kuiti from today until 9 October for a bridge deck replacement.
The timber deck on the one-lane bridge over the Mokau River needs to be replaced to ensure the bridge remains safe to use.
The detour for traffic will be via Kopaki Road, State Highway 3 and State Highway 4, which will add 12 kilometres or approximately 10 minutes to a journey from Maniaiti/Benneydale to Te Kuiti.
Residents on SH30 south of the bridge, including on Mokau Road, Mangaokewa Road and Powell Road are reminded that the rail overbridge at Kopaki has a weight restriction for heavy vehicles of 80 per cent of Class 1 with a speed limit of 10 kph. What this weight limit is will vary between trucks, depending on length and axle configuration, but generally it refers to almost fully laden heavy commercial vehicles.
Trucks that are above this 80 per cent of Class 1 limit and need to access SH30 between Kopaki and the bridge closure, will need to use Mangaokewa Road, which is narrow and unsealed.
The replacement rail overbridge at Kopaki is currently at the consenting and land purchase stage and is being progressed as quickly as possible.
In the event of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the finish of this work may be delayed. Visit the interactive Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website for the latest information on roadworks, traffic, road closures and detours to help plan your trip.
Journey planner(external link)
Waka Kotahi has scheduled these works for the school holidays to minimise disruption and thanks motorists for their patience.
Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with: