Pekatahi Bridge on State Highway 2 will close for six days from Saturday, with motorists warned to expect detours and delays of up to 20 minutes.

The bridge, near Whakatāne, will shut from 8.30am on July 4 through to midday on Thursday, July 9, as NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) carries out maintenance work to improve the structure’s safety and reliability, a media release from the roading agency said.

The closure will be in place 24 hours a day, with no access permitted across the bridge during that time – including for emergency services.

NZTA said traffic management will be installed before the closure and road users are urged to follow the directions of crews on-site.

A detour route will be in effect for all vehicles, including freight and high productivity motor vehicles, via Tāneatua Rd, Valley Rd, Arawa Rd, Hinemoa St and State Highway 30 through Awakeri.

The alternative route is expected to add up to 20 minutes to journeys.

The works have been scheduled during the school holidays to help minimise disruption, with fewer vehicles typically on the road.

According to NZTA, crews will remove timber wearing boards, install new transition treatments at both ends of the bridge and repair damaged side rails.

“Closing the bridge allows crews to complete a larger package of work in one go, rather than carrying out frequent smaller repairs that cause repeated disruption,” NZTA said.

Once the work is complete, drivers can expect a smoother and more reliable surface at the bridge approaches.