Bridges
We can help you plan your journey if you are driving a truck or big vehicle like a campervan to avoid bridges with weight or size restrictions.
Overweight Vehicles
If your vehicle is over the standard weight limit and you need a one-off or continuous operation permit you can apply for this using the NZTA overweight vehicle permit application form, which should be submitted directly to LA.OWPermits@beca.com
If your overweight permit is granted, it will be issued to you as soon as it is ready and you will be invoiced by Council at the end of the month. You can find the current permit fees on our Fees and Charges page.
To discuss the permitting process further, you can contact our bridge consultant by emailing LA.OWPermits@beca.com or phone 07 577 7971.
High Productivity Motor Vehicles
If you are driving a high productivity motor vehicle then you can see approved routes and restricted bridges in our District here HPMV (High Productivity Motor Vehicle) Approved Routes and Restricted Bridges To apply for a HPMV permit go to https://hpmvpermits.nzta.govt.nz/
Over-Dimension Loads
If you are shifting a house or extra large load then you need an over-dimension permit and these are issued by NZTA, visit the NZTA website for further information.
Bridges with Weight or Size Restrictions
The following district bridges have a weight, speed or other restriction to protect the structure from damage. Please observe the restriction signs otherwise you risk damaging your vehicle the bridge or both. Council recovers all damage costs from drivers where they can be identified and some bridges have CCTV to monitor use.
Victoria St bridge (high-level bridge) in Cambridge
- Max weight: 3 tonne
- Max speed: 30km per hour
- Max height: 3m
- Max width: 2.1m Campervans and large trailers can be too wide and high to cross this bridge.
- Main Arch Bridge Structural Assessment Report
Baffin Street bridge in Pirongia
- Max weight: 12 tonne. This is a narrow single-lane bridge and wide vehicles can get stuck.
- Max speed: 20km per hour
Maungatautari Road bridge
- Max weight: 44 tonne (Class 1)
Pokuru Road bridge (across Puniu River)
- Max weight: 44 tonne (Class 1)
Bowman Road bridge near Te Awamutu
- Max weight: 44 tonne (Class 1)
Te Pahu Road bridge (between SH39 and Hodgson Road, Te Pahu)
- Max weight: 44 tonne (Class 1)
Hydro Road- Karapiro Dam
- Max Weight 3 tonne
- Max Width 2.2m
- Max Length 5.0m The dam is single-lane with a tight bend and longer and wider vehicles will get stuck.
