Essential strengthening work is now underway on State Highway 2 at the Wairakaia Rail Bridge, between Wairoa and Gisborne.

As part of the strengthening work, SH2 between Nicks Head Station Road and Coop Road will be closed in both directions for 3 nights next month (in August) so crews can carry out dowel installation on the rail bridge.

Dowel installation is the use of steel bars to link sections of concrete in a bridge, helping them share weight while still allowing small movements. The road needs to be fully closed while this work takes place for the safety of all road users and crews. The closure will also give the epoxy used on the bridge deck time to set.

The road will be closed in both directions at night on:

• Sunday 9 August
• Monday 10 August
• Tuesday 11 August

Closures will be in place from 8pm to 4am each night, with the road reopening at 4am on Wednesday 12 August.

There are no viable detours during these overnight closures. However, emergency vehicles will be assisted through the closure if required.

To minimise impacts as much as possible, the main strengthening work has been scheduled overnight when traffic volumes are lowest and to reopen at 4am.

Dayworks are underway at the bridge from 8am to 6pm each day, Monday to Friday. Some temporary traffic management may occasionally be in place leading up to the closures, with minor delays expected.

The work is weather dependent. Contingency dates are Sunday 16, Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 August, 8pm to 4am each night.

We thank everyone for their patience while this important work is completed to keep SH2 safe and reliable for freight, commuters, and the wider community.