Essential maintenance will be carried out during the second week of the April school holidays on the State Highway 2 (SH2) Pekatahi Bridge. 

Located north of Tāneatua, the bridge will be closed for 5 days from Monday 13 to Friday 17 April to complete deck repairs and install a new side rail. This work forms part of the ongoing maintenance programme to keep the bridge safe and operational until a replacement bridge is constructed. 

The bridge will be closed to all traffic daily from 8:30am to 4:30pm. During the closure, crews will: Replace cracked and damaged running board planks. Remove broken plank fragments and secure loose boards. Install a newly fabricated side rail, replacing one damaged late last year. 

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) acknowledges the bridge is showing its age and requires frequent maintenance. Unevenness in the underlying deck causes the running board planks to move under traffic, leading to protruding screws, cracked or broken planks and loose chipseal. Ongoing maintenance is required to manage these issues and maintain safety for road users.  

Bay of Plenty Area Manager for NZTA, Sandra King, says maintaining the existing bridge remains a priority while work continues on the replacement. 

“The replacement bridge is still a few years away, so our focus is keeping the current bridge safe and open for everyone who relies on this route,” says Ms King. 

“We know closures are disruptive, but full daytime closures are necessary due to the narrowness of the bridge and the nature of the work, and to ensure our contractors can work safely. 

“Scheduling this work during the school holidays helps minimise disruption, as traffic volumes are lower and school buses are not operating.”  

NZTA will also increase safety inspections carrying out minor repairs outside of the full closures where possible. Full plank replacement can only occur when the bridge is fully closed. 

Once the work in the April closure is completed, the bridge surface will remain rough and will not provide a smooth driving experience. This maintenance is focused on managing safety risks and extending the life of the bridge until the replacement bridge is delivered.