Road closure breaches, including those committed by heavy vehicle drivers, have forced NZTA Waka Kotahi to extend closure plans for State Highway 53 Tauwharenīkau Bridge.

Following multiple breaches of a road closure for this critical maintenance project, NZTA Waka Kotahi is extending state highway closure plans for SH53 Tauwharenīkau Bridge.

NZTA Wellington alliance manager Roxanne Hilliard said trucks are known to have crossed the bridge on Monday night 13 May, ignoring the traffic management controls in place to protect the bridge.

“The bridge is having its bearings replaced and is currently on jacks. This is why it has been closed to heavy vehicles. They pose a serious risk to its integrity, and engineers have had to do follow-up inspections to ensure the bridge hasn’t been damaged,” said Hilliard.

“For safety reasons, we cannot risk a repeat of [the breaches]. It simply creates too much risk for our work crews and the bridge.”

It means the Tauwharenīkau Bridge is now closed to all traffic until repairs to the bridge are completed next month.

Hilliard acknowledges that the extended closure will disrupt the daily lives of residents and regular route users, but says safety is the top priority.

“Unfortunately, given the [breaches], we have no other choice, and we are deeply disappointed we have had to make this call.”

Investigations into the closure breaches and those responsible are underway.

Disobeying a road closure is an offence under section 16A of the Land Transport Act 1998.

“NZTA Waka Kotahi reserves the right to refer matters to police, if necessary,” said Hilliard.

Closure and works schedule:

• Full closure of SH53 Tauwharenīkau Bridge until completion of repairs in June
• Closure in place daily 24/7 – including weekends
• All traffic will need to detour via Camp Road, SH2 and No.1 Line back onto SH53.