Kuripapango Bridge on the Napier/Taihape road will be closed from 1 March until June due to works to strengthen and widen the bridge.

Co-funded by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, Rangitīkei District Council and Hastings District Council, the strengthening work is a requirement that arose after the Government put in place new restrictions around vehicle weights and dimensions in 2016.

The bridge is a narrow, single lane bridge and contractors will need to set up heavy equipment on-site, so no traffic will be able to use it while they are working.

From 1 March until 1 June

The bridge will be fully closed to all traffic during these hours:

• 9am to 6pm on Mondays and Fridays only
• 7am to 6pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

The bridge will be open to cars and vehicles under 22 tonnes during these hours:

• Weekends
• 6pm to 9am Mondays and Fridays
• 6pm to 7am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

Thank you for your patience while bridge strengthening work is completed.

Why is Hastings District Council strengthening the bridge?

1. We are required to by law: The Government’s Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimension and Mass 2016 meant roads and bridges must accommodate greater vehicle weights and dimensions than before, and bridges that didn’t meet the new loading requirements had to be restricted. The objective of this was to make the country’s farms, forests and freight industry more efficient and profitable.
2. It will improve productivity: Currently able to accommodate 42 tonnes, the bridge will be able to accommodate greater vehicle weights of up to 62 tonnes. This will mean farmers, forestry workers and other heavy vehicle drivers would be able to take increased loads over the bridge, and reduce the number of trips and hours spent driving, which could greatly improve productivity.
3. It better accommodate larger vehicles: The works will include widening the bridge so larger vehicles can better manoeuvre tight approaches to and from the bridge.

For more information on the Kuripapango Bridge Strengthening Work please contact 06) 871 5000 or please click on the link below:www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/hastings/projects/kuripapango

If you have safety concerns in regards to roadworks in your area please emailcustomerservice@hdc.govt.nz.

 Please only call 871 5000 if the matter is urgent.

Find the latest information on roadworks and road closures at

www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/roadworks