The Acrow bridge on State Highway 2 (SH2) at Pūtōrino is switching to a priority give way system from Monday (8 December).

Currently, the single lane bridge is controlled by traffic lights and the change is able to happen now the Acrow bridge is in place and the worksite disestablished.

Northbound vehicles have priority. Southbound drivers must give way to northbound traffic. This is because southbound drivers have limited visibility of oncoming vehicles, and the safest option for them is to prepare to stop before the bridge.

Speed limits remain in place:

• 10km/h across the bridge
• 30km/h approaching the bridge

This change is likely to lead to more efficient travel, because traffic will not need to stop and wait for a change in lights every time. Rather they can continue onto the bridge if there’s no oncoming traffic.

This is the first time since Cyclone Gabrielle that temporary traffic lights have been removed at Waikare Gorge. We’ll continue to monitor traffic flow after the switch and message boards will be in place to alert drivers to the change.

Priority give way bridges aren’t new to Hawke’s Bay’s state highway network. There are 3 priority give way bridges on State Highway 50 between Maraekakaho and Tikokino (Manga-o-Nuku bridges No. 1, 2 and 3).

Other than regular scheduled maintenance of the bridge and road surface, no further roadworks are planned at Waikare Gorge. We’ll be back here early in the new year to reseal the road surface either side of the bridge, this is part of regular maintenance. This will be communicated closer to the time,

Waikare Gorge realignment

The Acrow bridge, which is wider, stronger and quieter than the Bailey bridge it replaced, will remain until the permanent Waikare Gorge realignment project is complete.