Enabling works at the Tutaekuri River Bridge site were completed in May 2025. The work involved felling trees, clearing vegetation and topsoil, and using safe repurposed Cyclone Gabrielle silt to raise the land and create a wide, flat surface.
The silt was compacted and is now left to settle. This process speeds up the natural process of compaction, allowing the soil to settle and the sediment to consolidate ahead of further construction works. The settlement process will take around 12 months.
Find the enabling works map linked below for details:
Tutaekuri River Bridge enabling works map [PDF, 2.3 MB]
Ground improvements were required at the site to help prepare the land for four-laning, and for taking the permanent weight of the road. This will allow us to build the approaches to the new bridge.
The design of the new two-lane Tutaekuri River Bridge will extend into early 2026 and we expect construction to begin in mid-2026 (subject to approvals and funding). The new bridge will take the northbound traffic while the existing bridge will take the southbound traffic.
In May 2025, we realigned the Hawke’s Bay Trails Great Ride west of the bridge to improve the experience for everyone using it. We also hydroseeded the surrounding area to help grass grow (pictured below).
