Work to replace the deck and beams on the Mangaotama Stream bridge on State Highway 39 south of Ngāhinapōuri, is almost complete, with the bridge reopening to traffic by Tuesday evening 28 June.
While this is two days later than previously scheduled, unexpected ground conditions have led to additional work being required to ensure the level of the road matches that of the bridge.
This additional work has delayed the sealing of the road, and with limited crews available due to the Matariki holiday, applying the final surface to the road is now not expected to happen until Monday.
“We appreciate that this slight delay to reopening is frustrating for both traffic on State Highway 39 and residents who live along the detour route,” Waka Kotahi Waikato System Manager Cara Lauder says.
“With a long weekend coming up we’d like to remind drivers that the local detour around the Mangaotama Stream bridge is on rural roads which are narrower than the highway, with blind bends, one-way bridges and temporary speed reductions.
“Through traffic, especially trucks, are strongly advised to use State Highway 3 and State Highway 1 through Te Awamutu and Hamilton,” Ms Lauder says.
Once the work has been completed and the bridge reopened, it will be almost one metre wider and the current weight and speed restrictions will be removed.
We would like to thank you for your ongoing patience while we complete this work.
