State Highway 25A between Kōpū and Hikuai in the Coromandel has opened, just in time for those heading off on Christmas holidays.
Drivers are heading over the new 124-metre Taparahi Bridge this morning, after a section of the key Coromandel link was washed away in late January.
"The new bridge isn't just the fastest solution, it's the most resilient solution too and it's a tremendous feeling to see it opened and unwrapped today, just in time for Christmas," said Waka Kotahi's Jo Wilton.
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)
Traffic management remains in place on the bridge.
"We understand there will be a lot of interest in the new bridge and changed landscape at the slip site, but it is not safe to stop and sightsee on or near the bridge. Road users need to keep moving," Wilton said.
The bridge was completed three months ahead of schedule, and is expected to have cost around $43 million — under the $50 million estimate.
The transport agency has also cleared other slips, replaced 23 culverts, repaired or replaced 7km of side drains, strengthened seven bridges as well as stabilising slopes and resealing the rest of SH25A.
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