The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) wishes to advise that due to technical difficulties the planned work to remove the temporary bailey bridge on State Highway 21 at Narrows Bridge scheduled for today, could not be undertaken.
NZTA Waikato State Highways manager Kaye Clark says the highway had been closed between the hours of 9:30 am and 5:00 pm, in order for the bridge to be completely removed and for the Narrows Bridge to be returned to two-lane traffic.
”Unfortunately due to technical difficulties with the crane, which was required to lift the bailey bridge out, this work could not be carried out as planned.”
As a result, the bailey bridge will remain in place upstream of the Narrows Bridge, which crosses the Waikato River just south of Hamilton on SH21 (Airport Road), for a further week.
The Narrows Bridge will continue operating as one lane, carrying westbound traffic heading to Hamilton airport, with the temporary bailey bridge, immediately upstream of the Narrows Bridge, continuing to carry eastbound traffic.
A second road closure will be required next Wednesday 27 April, for the bridge removal work to be completed.
“We appreciate the significant inconvenience a major road closure like this causes for motorists travelling this route, and for people who live in this area,” says Mrs Clark.
“We thank motorists for their patience and understanding as we work to reinstate the Narrows Bridge to two-lane traffic.”
