The NZ Transport Agency is undertaking strengthening work on Fairlies Bridge, four kilometres north of Te Puia Springs.
Work is due to begin on Monday 27 August and is expected to take four weeks. The bridge will be closed to traffic during this time.
NZ Transport Agency Regional Transport Systems Manager Wayne Oldfield says the work will involve a number of bolts being welded to beams which will enable High Productivity Motor Vehicles (HPMV) to utilise the bridge due to its increased strength.
“Closing the bridge completely while this work is underway ensures that unrestricted access is available on the bridge for contractors, speeding up the strengthening process and avoiding lengthy delays,” Mr Oldfield says.
The Fairlies Bridge works are part of a wider bridge strengthening programme by NZTA that will make all bridges from Hawkes Bay to Gisborne HPMV compliant.
At the suggestion of freight stakeholders at a recent information evening, a ford will be built across the river to allow traffic flow while the bridge was closed. Signage to direct traffic will be in place at either end of the bridge.
