First look at completed Coromandel bridge ahead of reopening

A key connection in the Coromandel is set to reopen well ahead of schedule after being swept away in severe weather earlier this year.

A section of State Highway 25A between Kōpū and Hikuai was completely washed away in late January.

All that remained was a safety barrier, hanging over a weather-made chasm. But now, the link is ready to reopen next week.

It'll be welcome news for both locals and holidaymakers as the popular summer hot spot prepares for Christmas.

The 124m bridge has been completed three months ahead of schedule and under budget.

The cost of the bridge upon its completion is expected to be approximately $43 million – under the $50m estimate.

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It's a significant milestone for the project which will reconnect the east and west coasts of the peninsula.

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It's expected SH25A between Kōpū and Hikuai will re-open three months sooner than expected after being wiped out by large slips in late January.

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"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," NZTA Waka Kotahi's Jo Wilton said last month.