The Waiomou Bridge on State Highway 27 to Matamata is now open, marking an end to a six-week diversion for Auckland travelers.

The bridge still needs to have the final chipseal applied, but this will be done at a later date when the weather is fine, says an NZ Transport Agency spokesperson.

The bridge may be needed to be closed again or stop/go signs used when the final seal occurs.

The NZ Transport Agency would like to thank motorists for their patience while the strengthening and repair work was done. It took longer than expected because once contractors began the maintenance it was determined that more work should be carried out while they had the opportunity.

All road users should drive with extra care on the bridge until after the final seal is applied and all traffic management has been lifted.

Meanwhile, work on replacing the bridge deck on the Pekatahi Bridge on SH2, between Awakeri and Taneatua has reached the half way point.

The one-way bridge between Awakeri and Taneatua, was closed to traffic in early February to allow contractors to replace the deteriorating timber deck and remove the railway tracks.

Traffic is detoured via Whakatane while the project is underway. The detour adds about 20 minutes to the journey between Awakeri and Taneatua, with longer delays possible during peak periods.

Transport Agency Bay of Plenty Highway Manager Niclas Johansson says the project is progressing well and is on track to be finished in May as planned.

'Over the last six weeks the contractor, Downer Construction, has removed the rail tracks, deconstructed the old timber deck and re-decked about 35 per cent of the bridge.

'People will be glad to hear that recent heavy rain has not had too much of an impact on the project and we are still working towards getting traffic back on the bridge in early May.”

The Transport Agency thanks motorists and businesses for their continued patience while the work is underway, and reminds people passing through the Whakatane urban area to drive with extra care, especially around school children.