State Highway 25A between Kōpū and Hikuai will be re-open to traffic in time for Christmas – a full three months earlier than expected.
Set for reopening by December 20, 2023, the decking is now complete on the new 124-metre bridge, which spans the abyss which severed the highway in late January.
Waka Kotahi regional manager of infrastructure delivery for Waikato/Bay of Plenty, Jo Wilton, said a bridge of its size would normally take 12 to 14 months to build.
"With the build beginning in June, getting it open in less than seven months is a huge achievement," she said.
Waka Kotahi hopes the SH25A between Kōpū and Hikuai will be open by Christmas – three months earlier than anticipated. (Source: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency) (Source: Supplied)
"At the same time we've invested an additional $25 million to enable multiple crews to clear slips, replace the original undersized culvert, and undertake crucial road maintenance work along the rest of the length of SH25A to ensure the whole corridor is up to scratch, safe and more resilient."
She said getting the maintenance work for the bridge completed now "also means we can avoid further work and disruption for drivers during the busy summer period".
Wilton acknowledged the impact the highway closure has had on families, businesses, schools and visitors to the region.
"We know it’s been a tough year and we hope this new bridge is the gift that helps get the Peninsula back on its feet," she said.
The bridge will open under traffic management at a reduced speed while finishing works continue.
The cost of the bridge upon its completion is expected to be approximately $43 million – under the $50m estimate.
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