Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Drivers of the scenic Thames Coast highway are all too familiar with stop/go interruptions due to damage to State Highway 25 (SH25) in recent years, but one disruption will soon become a distant memory with the replacement of the Boundary Creek Bridge deck.
The bridge itself, wedged tight between the cliffs and the sea, has been reduced to a single lane since 2023 while it patiently waits for a new bridge deck and repairs to its abutments.
“Drivers will be pleased to know a new bridge deck and strengthening work is planned to be completed ahead of summer, meaning SH25 will once again revert to 2 lanes here,” says Darryl Coalter, Regional Manager of Infrastructure Delivery for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
This work will also see the restoration of the slow traffic bay on the southern bridge approach, which has been temporarily closed.
“It’s great news for everyone. The new, safer 2 lane bridge and passing bay will be in place ahead of the holidays and peak summer period, making this section of state highway safer, more resilient, and one less pinch point during busy times.”
With the contract for the works now awarded, NZTA expects repair work will begin in October. A full road closure of up to 7 days will be required to allow for the demolition of the old bridge deck and installation of the new one. The closure is currently anticipated for the week immediately after Labour weekend.
“In this location it isn’t possible to build the new bridge deck in a way that allows continued access for road users. Without suitable local detours, we appreciate this will mean a lengthy detour around the peninsula for a short duration” Mr Coalter says.
NZTA has considered a range of construction options after talking with emergency services, stakeholders, businesses and the community, to understand how the closure will impact them and has incorporated their preferences into the planning.
“We will use a prefabricated bridge deck and other key components, as well as work extended hours to speed up construction, meaning the road will be closed for the least amount of time as possible,” Mr Coalter says.
NZTA will provide regular updates to the community and stakeholders as more details are confirmed.
Elsewhere across the peninsula, our Coromandel Recovery project to repair storm damage caused by cyclones Gabrielle and Hale in 2023, is now nearing completion.
A summer maintenance programme is scheduled to begin across the Coromandel, with up to 10 worksites planned between Wharehako (north of Whitianga) and Waihī as well as on State Highway 25A.
These works are part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and resilience and will be communicated widely once work schedules are confirmed.
