Restrictions for Te Pahu Road bridge
13 March 2019
New speed and weight restrictions have been applied to Te Pahu Road bridge near Whatawhata from today.
Waipa District Council has restricted the speed to 30km/h over the two-lane bridge and lowered the weight limit to 15 tonnes (previously 44 tonnes) to take some stress off the bridge while it is undergoing repair.
Group manager service delivery Barry Bergin said the weight restrictions will only affect large trucks.
The bridge is currently undergoing repair to strenghten its piles and add a retaining wall in response to erosion on the river banks. This work has highlighted some further issues, and we're taking the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our workers, and those using the bridge.
Bergin said the measures were a precaution to preserve the bridge in the long-term.
We want the bridge to be around for a long-time yet. These lower speeds and weights will take the pressure off the bridge while we make the repairs and bring it back to full working order.
The restrictions will be reviewed again once work is complete on the bridge in mid-May, Bergin said.
Detours for large trucks will be via SH23 and SH39 and Fonterra and other trucking companies have been advised.
School buses and emergency vehicles should still be within the weight limits and will not affected by the restrictions.