UPDATE 8 October:

Contractors have finished debris clearance work for the Waihenga Bridge ahead of schedule.

State Highway 53 is now open to traffic, and the closure planned for tomorrow is no longer required. The highway will be open as normal on Friday.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance want to thank drivers and the community for their patience and understanding while this work was being completed.

6 October:

Wairarapa drivers are warned to be ready for debris removal works on State Highway 53 Waihenga Bridge on Thursday and Friday this week (8 and 9 October).

This closure is needed to allow crews to clear slash debris that has built up around the bridge on Ruamāhanga River. This was caused by heavy rain in the river catchment at the end of September.

Removing flood debris and slash improves the river's water flow during bad weather events, helps protect the bridge from damage during future bad weather, and improves the resilience of a critical local transport link.

It also reduces the risk of debris being dislodged and affecting local road bridges downstream.

Because the Waihenga Bridge is an important transport link, debris removal like this is done regularly – particularly after significant rainfall.

Crews will use a long reach digger from the bridge. Working from the river is only possible if river conditions are suitable; otherwise, it creates health and safety risks. Because debris removal involves risks for contractors, the work is carried out during daylight hours when visibility is better.

The closure will be in place from 9am to 3pm each day, with crews onsite setting up from 7am.

The work has been timed to minimise impact as much as possible and is being done outside the morning and afternoon peak travel times.

Drivers should be prepared for delays when travelling to and from Martinborough while the closures are in place. 

With Waihenga Bridge closed, road users using State Highway 53 can detour to and from Martinborough via Kahutara Road and Lake Ferry Road.