A geotechnical probe into ground conditions is now underway for the new Pekatahi Bridge in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi system design manager for the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, Susan Collins, said replacing the existing one-lane bridge with a new two-lane bridge was in the best interests of the region.

“The new bridge will take around 18 months to build, once funding is available and design completed,” Collins said.

“By building it beside the existing bridge we’ll minimise disruption for neighbours, the local community and road users – and avoid closing SH2 during construction."

NZTA’s current focus was on completing detailed design work and securing the necessary consents, in preparation for construction to begin in mid-2027, when funding becomes available.

“Detailed design and geotechnical investigations are helping us understand ground conditions so the bridge can be built safely and resiliently, ensuring it performs well during floods and earthquakes and is built to last,” Collins said.

“Over the next few months, you may see various activity around the area, predominantly next to the existing bridge and beside the river as this work is undertaken."

Collins said the existing bridge remains safe to use and NZTA continued to monitor it closely and carry out scheduled deck maintenance to manage safety until the replacement bridge is completed.

Bridge repairs

The Pekatahi Bridge would be closed for five days from next Monday, April 13, to Friday, April 17, allowing crews to complete deck repairs and install a new side rail.

During this period, the bridge would be closed to all traffic daily from 8.30am to 4.30pm. A detour would be in place via Whakatāne.

Collins said that, outside of the quarterly maintenance, safety inspections and minor repairs would be carried out where possible.

She said a full plank replacement could only happen when the bridge was fully closed.

Once the work during the April closure is completed, the bridge surface will remain rough and will not provide a smooth driving experience.

Steel plates have been considered as an option to help support the bridge. The project team is reviewing installation options, as this work would require full bridge closures for an extended period.