Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is working with its bridge engineers on options for Oringi rail overbridge on SH2, in the Tararua District, which has been damaged in an accident.
Up to 15 metres of concrete barrier on the side of the north bound lane was severely damaged when a truck collided with it earlier this week.
The bridge itself remains structurally sound and has been assessed as safe to travel across.
However the bridge is currently down to single lane and is under temporary traffic management with reduced speeds while a longer-term solution is worked on.
Waka Kotahi Manawatū-Whanganui Taranaki System Manager Rob Service says the priority is to get the bridge back to double lane, albeit under continued traffic management.
“The damaged bridge is near one of our current roadworks sites, at Maharahara, which means road users should expect significant delays in the area of up to 30 minutes.
“However once the roadworks at Maharahara are complete, scheduled to be sealed before Easter, then the delay will drop to around 15 minutes.
“There are no suitable detours available currently as some of the surrounding roads are too narrow to be used as an alternative.”
Mr Service says Waka Kotahi is awaiting a bridge engineer’s report to determine the best options available for a longer-term solution.
“The safety of all road users is an absolutely priority – we know delays will be frustrating and we really appreciate the patience and understanding of everyone who will be using the road while it’s under traffic management.”
