State Highway 36 has reopened to traffic following repairs by contractors.

The road was closed to all vehicles from 10am Thursday July 21 for emergency works at Mangapouri bridge.

The abutment of the single-lane Mangapouri bridge had scoured resulting in a hole beneath the road and uneven surface on the bridge deck.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency contractors made swift progress on repairs and the road has reopened ahead of schedule.

"Waka Kotahi thanks you for your patience while we completed this essential work to make our state highway safer and more resilient," says a Waka Kotahi NZTA spokesperson.

Motorists are encouraged to check the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner site for traffic updates.

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• Facebook: facebook.com/NZTAWaikatoBoP
• Twitter: twitter.com/WakaKotahiWaiBP
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)