The Hikuai River Bridge between Tairua and the Pauanui turn-off will be closed from October 25 to all nighttime traffic.
With no local detour around the bridge, and the only available alternative route taking travellers around the Coromandel Peninsula, motorists are advised to travel during the day to avoid being detoured.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Waikato system manager Cara Lauder said the bridge would be closed between 8pm and 6am, from Sunday to Thursday, for “essential” and “significant” maintenance work, and was expected to take up to four weeks.
She acknowledged the road closure would be disruptive, but said the work was vital to keeping the bridge open and safe for all traffic use.
“We hope that by carrying out this work in the evenings we will be able to minimise disruption to residents and road users as much as possible.”
Ms Lauder said the bridge would remain open during the day with temporary traffic management and a speed restriction of 10kmh in place, and advised motorists to travel during the day to avoid overnight detours.
She said the bridge would remain safe and structurally sound and would have regular inspections and maintenance when required.
Contractors would begin preparing the site in early to mid-October which would require short closures over two to three days.
Motorists should expect delays for up to 15 minutes during this time.
“While every effort will be made to keep the closure within the advised timeframe, unforeseen issues such as bad weather could affect these dates,” the transport agency said.
For up-to-date information on the bridge closure visit the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website – www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz.
Hikuai River Bridge will remain open during the day with a speed restriction of 10kmh. Photo: NZTA/SUPPLIED
