The Onetai bridge on State Highway 26 (SH26) north of Paeroa was built in 1976 and is due for replacement. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has investigated options for the new bridge and has confirmed it will be replaced with a wider, timber deck bridge.
The Onetai bridge is located north of Paeroa and carries SH26 over the Onetai Stream, linking the greater Waikato region with the Coromandel Peninsula.
During a routine structural maintenance inspection it was identified as nearing the end of its life, and so in 2020 we started working through a business case looking at replacement options for the two-lane bridge.
As part of the business case we carried out early site investigations. We also spoke with our iwi partners, affected landowners and key stakeholders such as local council to help us refine the design options.
The business case is now complete, with a decision to replace the Onetai bridge with a timber deck bridge and reinforced concrete foundations. Construction funding has been approved under the current 2021 – 2024 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) and we are now working through the detailed design and consenting process.
We had conversations with iwi, key stakeholders, and landowners throughout the business case, and will continue to do so throughout the detailed design process.
Although bridges in New Zealand are generally built with concrete, NZTA is piloting a more sustainable solution for the Onetai bridge with a timber deck bridge replacement. This has a similar construction cost to concrete, but is more in line with international design standards and best practice.
The new design will be wider than the old bridge, adding 3m to the total width. Widening the bridge will make it safer for people cycling or driving along the highway, and more resilient.
CloseYes. We have an active bridge maintenance, strengthening and replacement programme which gives us a good picture of the state of all our bridges. Safety is our number one priority, and we carry out regular inspections to make sure the state highway bridges in New Zealand remain safe at all times.
CloseWe have the funding approved for this project and have moved into the next phase of project development, which involves developing the detailed design and getting the appropriate consents for construction.
Please keep an eye on this website for updates – we’re committed to keeping the community well-informed as this project progresses. We’ll work closely with landowners whose properties may be affected and send information to everyone along the road so that people know what’s happening and when, and have the chance to talk with our team.
You’re welcome to get in touch with any questions or issues you may have.
