Pekatahi Bridge on State Highway 2 will close for six days next month to allow crews to complete maintenance aimed at improving the structure’s safety and reliability.

The bridge will shut from Saturday, July 4, through to midday on Thursday, July 9, with no access for any vehicles during that period, including emergency services, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said in a media release.

The closure has been timed to coincide with the school holidays to reduce disruption, with fewer vehicles expected on the road and less impact on school travel and daily journeys.

Work would include removing the timber wearing boards, installing new transition treatments at each end of the bridge and repairing damaged side rails.

NZTA said the upgrades were designed to deliver a smoother and more reliable crossing, although drivers may notice a slightly different surface on the bridge approaches once the work is complete.

Closing the bridge entirely would allow crews to carry out a larger package of work in one go, rather than undertaking frequent smaller repairs that would cause ongoing disruption, the roading agency said.

A signed detour would be in place for all traffic, including freight and High Productivity Motor Vehicles. Northbound and southbound vehicles will be redirected via Tāneatua Rd, Valley Rd, Arawa Rd, Hinemoa St and SH30 through Awakeri.

The detour was expected to add up to 20 minutes to travel times.

NZTA said it is working with Whakatāne District Council to enable the use of local roads for the diversion.