NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is planning to start permanent repairs to the State Highway 2 (SH2) Wairoa River Bridge cycleway on Monday 2 November, with work expected to finish late November.

Severe weather earlier this year caused the embankment to slip beside Wairoa River Bridge, damaging the cycleway and forcing its closure. It reopened in August following a temporary safety fix, but some sections remain narrow. The permanent repairs will stabilise the embankment, improve drainage and restore the cycleway to its previous width.

Over 6 weeks crews will complete the following repairs:

• reposition rock protection and concrete blocks at 2 slip sites
• build up a section of the lower path to restore its full width
• improve drainage
• resurface the cycleway
• repair the upper path and reinstate fencing.

The work will take place away from the state highway, between 6am and 6pm on weekdays.

Temporary crossing for path users

While the repairs are underway, people using the cycleway will be directed through a staffed, signal-controlled crossing point on SH2. This will be put in place on Sunday night (1 November).

People travelling towards Tauranga will use the cycle lane alongside the bridge as usual, then wait at the crossing point at the end of the bridge. When directed, they will cross the state highway and travel along the grass berm behind the safety barrier before rejoining the existing on-road cycleway towards Carmichael Road. People travelling in the opposite direction will follow the route in reverse.

Path users may be held briefly at the crossing and released when it is safe. This will help minimise disruption to state highway traffic.

A temporary speed limit of 30km/h will be in place through the crossing area. NZTA will monitor safety and traffic flow at the temporary crossing. If safety concerns or significant traffic disruption mean the crossing needs to close, the cycleway may also need to close while repairs are completed.

Work dates and traffic management arrangements may change depending on weather and site conditions.

NZTA thanks path and road users for their patience while this work is completed.