Geotechnical investigations to understand ground conditions are now under way for the new Pekatahi Bridge, bringing construction of a replacement bridge a step closer.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi’s regional manager system design for the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, Susan Collins said the current focus was on completing detailed design work and securing the necessary consents in preparation for construction to begin in mid 2027, when funding becomes available.

“The new bridge will use a proven design and readily available materials, making it efficient and cost effective to build,” she said.

“Detailed design and geotechnical investigations are helping us understand ground conditions so the bridge can be built safely and resiliently, ensuring it performs well during floods and earthquakes and is built to last.

Ms Collins said over the next few months people would notice various activity around the area predominantly next to the existing bridge and beside the river as this work was undertaken.

“The new bridge will take around 18 months to build, once funding is available and design completed,” she said.

“By building it beside the existing bridge we’ll minimise disruption for neighbours, the local community and road users – and avoid closing SH2 during construction. The existing bridge remains safe to use.

“Our team continues to monitor it closely and we’re carrying out scheduled deck maintenance to manage safety until the replacement bridge is completed,” she said.

The bridge will be closed Monday to Friday next week, from 8.30am to 4.30pm, to allow crews to complete deck repairs and install a new side rail.

A detour will be in place for all traffic for the duration of the closure, via Whakatāne.

Outside of quarterly maintenance, NZTA is increasing safety inspections and carrying out minor repairs where possible. Full plank replacement can only happen when the bridge is fully closed.

Ms Collins said once the upcoming work was completed, the bridge surface would remain rough and drivers should not expect a smooth driving experience.

The maintenance work was focused on managing safety risks and extending the life of the bridge until the replacement bridge was completed.

Steel plates have been considered as an option to help support the bridge. The project team is currently reviewing installation options, as this work would require full bridge closures for an extended period.

NZTA is carefully assessing how this could be carried out in a way that minimises disruption to road users and the local community.