The NZTA has re-opened the Waitaki Bridges on SH82 near Kurow is now open to all vehicles following comprehensive safety inspections carried out earlier today.
NZTA Area Manager Colin Hey says strength-testing of the bridges and visual inspections of all the piers, including the one on the northern bridge that lead to the closure, have confirmed that the bridges can be safely re-opened for use by light and heavy vehicles. The speed limit on the bridges has been dropped from 30 km/h to 20 km/h as an added precaution.
Mr Hey thanked the community for their patience during the extended closure.
"We understand the hardship and inconvenience this closure has caused for local residents and businesses, the safety of road users is our top priority and we simply could not allow traffic onto the bridges until the river receded enough to allow for the thorough inspections we carried out today."
"We know that this news will come as a huge relief for local residents and businesses, and we thank them for their patience and understanding."
The bridges re-opened at 4:00 p.m. this afternoon.
