Source: New Zealand Government
Transport Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed news that a contract has now been signed for strengthening work the State Highway 50 (SH50) Ngaruroro River Bridge, south of Fernhill, to help improve the resilience of Hawke’s Bay’s transport network and unlock a vital connection for local communities and freight.
“Carrying nearly 7,000 vehicles per day, around 5 per cent of that heavy vehicles, the current bridge on SH50 is more than 80 years old, with speed and weight restrictions since October 2022. Funding was approved for bridge strengthening work in December last year and we’re getting on with the work,” Mr Bishop says.
“SH50 is an important route into and out of Hawke’s Bay for freight operators, as well as local businesses, emergency services, and other road users. It also plays an important role as an alternative route when other parts of the network are disrupted.
“Since funding was approved, the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has been working to secure consents and finalise detailed planning. Downer will deliver the project, with site offices due to be established shortly. At a cost of between $5 million and $10 million, construction is expected to begin in October and be completed next year.
“Once the work is complete, the weight and speed restrictions currently in place on the bridge will be lifted. The strengthened bridge will support High Productivity Motor Vehicles (HPMV) and 50MAX freight configurations, while also providing a stronger and more resilient transport link for everyone who relies on SH50.
“The National Infrastructure Plan is clear that our first priority should be maintaining and improving the infrastructure we already have and this is a great example. This project will deliver a considerable upgrade to the SH50 Ngaruroro River Bridge, as it has never been suitable for HPMVs and 50MAX, even before the 2022 restrictions.
“I want to thank local freight operators and communities across Hawke’s Bay for their patience and advocacy, alongside MPs Katie Nimon and Catherine Wedd. I know we are all looking forward to construction getting underway in the next few months and being completed as soon as possible next year,” Mr Bishop says.
Notes to editor:
Bridges/culverts set to be replaced in the 2024-27 NLTP period:
- SH3 Mangapepeke No. 1 Culvert, Taranaki (new addition for 2024-27 period)
- SH3 Mangapepeke No. 2 Culvert, Taranaki
- SH43 Kururau Stream Water Drive, Whanganui
- SH25 Pepe Stream Bridge, Coromandel
- SH82 Elephant Hill Bridge, South Canterbury
- SH82 Waihao North Bridge, South Canterbury
- SH6 Coal Creek Overbridge, West Coast
- SH25 Ramarama Stream Bridge, Waikato
- SH27 Ohinekaua Bridge, Waikato
- SH36 Hauraki Stream Culvert, Bay of Plenty
Bridge maintenance renewal works:
- SH25 Boundary Creek Bridge, Coromandel (new addition for 2024-27 period)
- SH35 Mangahauini No. 1 Bridge, Gisborne (new addition for 2024-27 period)
- SH38 Frasertown Bridge, Hawke’s Bay (new addition for 2024-27 period)
- SH50 Ngaruroro River Bridge, Hawke’s Bay (new addition for 2024-27 period)
Other announcements recently made:
- SH2 Pekatahi Bridge, Bay of Plenty. Design and pre-implementation work for a two-lane replacement is underway. Construction is expected to be within the 2027-30 NLTP once funding is approved and a contractor is appointed.
This programme excludes bridges being replaced due to weather event damage.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/29/sh50-ngaruroro-river-bridge-work-to-get-underway/