With major repairs continuing on the Tauwharenīkau Bridge, Wairarapa drivers need to be ready for road closures and detours on State Highway 53 over the coming weeks.

Bearings on the bridge have been corroding and need to be replaced. Replacing the bearings and repairing the structure will make the bridge safer for all road users.

On Monday, 15 April, work crews will put up scaffolding under the bridge,  before installing  temporary brackets (22 April), and replacing the bridge’s bearings (from 29 April).

The bridge will be closed to all traffic between 7 am and 5 pm on workdays while this work is underway.

When the bridge is open, it will be for light vehicles only and subject to a 30 km/h temporary speed limit.

Because the bridge will be on jacks, it cannot carry heavy vehicles. Heavy vehicles must use the detour route at all times from Monday, 29 April.

While local road detours will be available via Camp Road and No1 Line, the bridge and highway closure will mean drivers heading to and from Martinborough can expect longer travel times. Therefore, it is essential that road users factor this into their travel plans.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi acknowledges that the closure will cause disruptions and delays. However, the Tauwharenīkau Bridge is a crucial part of State Highway 53's infrastructure, and it must undergo regular maintenance.