Preparation work on State Highway 39 (SH39) at Symes Bridge, between Ōtorohanga and Pirongia, will begin on Monday 21 September. This work is ahead of a full closure from Sunday 11 October, when SH39 will close for up to 2 months while the bridge deck and beams are upgraded.

From Monday, stop/go traffic management will be in place at times while crews install scaffolding beneath the bridge and relocate services attached to the bridge. Motorists should expect short delays as crews and equipment access the site.

From 9pm on Sunday 11 October, SH39 will be closed at Symes Bridge while new beams and a wider, stronger deck are installed.

During the closure, state highway traffic will be detoured via State Highway 3 (SH3) through Te Awamutu.

The Symes Bridge upgrade was originally planned for earlier this year but was delayed after the February storm event which damaged the nearby Mangati Bridge beyond repair.

Construction of the permanent Mangati Bridge, 4 kilometres north on SH39, will continue during the Symes Bridge upgrade. Coordinating the projects means the most disruptive work can happen during the same closure, avoiding the need for another closure later.

NZTA acknowledges the preparation work and full closure will cause some inconvenience. Completing the upgrade now will deliver a stronger, more reliable bridge and help prevent further future disruption.

NZTA thanks the local community, businesses, freight operators and motorists for their patience while this important work is completed.