Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Pekatahi Bridge on State Highway 2 (SH2) near Tāneatua in the Eastern Bay of Plenty will be getting the facelift it very much needs, with funding now confirmed for a total deck replacement says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
“A new deck for this one lane bridge will improve safety by reducing the risk of damage to vehicles and cut the need for frequent closures for ongoing repairs, supporting more reliable journey times for locals and freight to Tairāwhiti, the Bay of Plenty and Port of Tauranga,” says Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations, Roger Brady.
“We have listened to the freight industry and community concerns about the condition of the Pekatahi Bridge and re-prioritised to secure funding for deck construction.”
The design for the new bridge deck is well underway and expected to be completed in the coming months.
All going to plan, construction is expected to start early 2026.
“Once the deck replacement and structural maintenance is completed, it will significantly extend the life of the bridge by another 20 years,” Mr Brady says.
The cost of the deck replacement and additional work, which will include painting, concrete repairs and scour protection to the substructure, is expected to be around $14 million. The timeline for construction will be confirmed in coming weeks.
“This is the most practical solution to address the current issues quickly while funding is constrained. A new and more durable deck will improve safety and quality and extend the bridge’s lifespan without overloading the structure,” Mr Brady says.
The proposed new deck will be made of plywood panels, bolted in place, limiting movement and subsequent breakage of the new surface. The deck replacement work will require full closure of Pekatahi Bridge for a significant period of time.
Quarterly bridge maintenance will continue until construction begins.
