Planned work to repair the State Highway 25 Hikuai River bridge, south of Tairua, has been halted after discovering what was planned is inadequate and more larger plates need fitting.

As an interim step, the bridge will have additional asphalt surfacing laid, which is scheduled to take place tomorrow (Wednesday). Traffic will be stopped in both directions for up to half an hour at a time between 9:15am and 4pm. Contractors will ensure the bridge is open for traffic leaving Tairua after school finishes around 3pm. This work is weather dependent and will likely be postponed in the event of rain.

The night work on the bridge this week has been to install plates to protect the deck surface but has been halted while larger plates are located and prepared.

This means that once sourced and prepared, additional night closures will be required on the Hikuai River Bridge in December. Details on this will be shared with the community once they have been confirmed.

There is no local detour around the Hikuai River Bridge, with the only available alternative route using SH25 and State Highway 25A around the Coromandel Peninsula and motorists are advised to plan ahead and expect delays.

The Hikuai River bridge requires a full deck replacement and this is expected to be done in 2022.