Work to improve the resilience of a critical North Island transport route will begin next month, with 4 days of strengthening works planned for the State Highway 1 (SH1) Waitoaka No.2 Bridge from Thursday 1 October. 

The bridge, located between Tūrangi and Motuoapa near the Waiotaka Scenic Reserve, carries traffic across the Waiotaka River.  

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Waikato Area Manager Andy Oakley says the project will address scour damage around the bridge approaches, helping protect the route and extend the bridge's service life. 

"The solution involves installing large steel sheet piles behind the bridge abutments across the full width of the road. This will help prevent future scour damage from affecting the road approach embankments and strengthen the route's resilience." 

Due to the location of the bridge and the size of the equipment required, a full closure of SH1 will be needed to complete the work safely and efficiently. The state highway will be closed from 8pm on Thursday 1 October until 5am on Tuesday 6 October. 

"We've explored a number of options with our contractors, but unfortunately the constrained environment around the bridge means the work cannot be completed while keeping the road open," says Mr Oakley. 

"We've spoken with local businesses, iwi and key stakeholders to help inform the timing of the closure. While we've worked hard to minimise impacts, we understand there is no ideal time to undertake work of this scale, and we acknowledge it will be disruptive." 

During the closure, traffic will be detoured via SH41, SH32 and SH30 before reconnecting with SH1. The detour will add approximately 110km and 1 hour 22 minutes to journeys. Travel between Tūrangi and Taupō will increase by around 60km and 45 minutes. 

The closure points will be located at the intersections of SH1 and Grace/Waiotaka roads in Tūrangi, and SH1 and Korohe Road in Motuoapa. 

"Our contractors will be working extended shifts throughout the closure period and are committed to completing the work as quickly as possible," says Mr Oakley.  

"We know road closures are challenging for residents, businesses, freight operators and other road users. We appreciate everyone's patience and understanding while we complete this important work." 

A reliable and resilient state highway network is essential for people who live, work and travel throughout the central North Island. This work is all part of NZTA’s ongoing resilience investment in vulnerable parts of the state highway network and a wider maintenance, strengthening, and bridge replacement programme.  

Other central North Island bridges planned for maintenance and strengthening this season include SH1 Mangatawai Stream Bridge, SH1 Poutū Bridge, SH49 Mākōtuku River Bridge, SH4 Manganui-A -Te-Ao Bridge.  

These works will likely be carried out under stop/go with temporary reduced speed limits.