Cyclists can once again use the State Highway 2 Wairoa Bridge cycleway after a temporary safety fix was completed, following months of closure due to slip damage.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said the cycleway has reopened after a safety fence was installed, with new line marking and advisory signage.

The cycleway, on the southern side of the Wairoa Bridge, was closed on March 27 after prolonged heavy rainfall in January and February saturated the ground and triggered slips across Tauranga.

NZTA said the repairs were only a temporary measure and urged cyclists to take extra care when using the route.

“Some parts of the cycleway remain narrow due to slip damage, so cyclists should take care and dismount through the narrow section,” NZTA said.

The closure was prompted by damage to the embankment supporting the path.

Damage to the side of the path earlier this year. Photo / Glen Crowther

During the shutdown, cyclists were advised to cross the bridge using the roadway while investigations into repair options were carried out.

Tauranga City Council previously confirmed NZTA had completed geotechnical assessments at the site and secured funding for a long-term solution to stabilise the slip and rebuild the affected section of cycleway.

Design work on the permanent repairs is now underway, with NZTA saying the next step is to appoint a contractor to carry out the work.

“We will provide further updates as progress is made,” the agency said.

The long-term project will involve reviewing assessment data, confirming a preferred remediation option, completing final design work and moving into construction.

No timeline has yet been confirmed for completion of the permanent repairs.

NZTA said further updates will be provided as the project progresses.