A new two-lane bridge will be built on State Highway 2 near Tāneatua to replace the aging Pekatahi Bridge, New Zealand Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced Thursday.
Pekatahi Bridge Replacement Approved
Work on the new bridge is expected to begin in mid-2027, with a projected cost of between $64 and $69 million. The current, century-old, one-lane bridge is a crucial link for traffic traveling between Gisborne or the East Cape and Whakatāne, and points further north.
The existing bridge, originally built for railway use, has deteriorated significantly, with broken planks, potholed surfaces, and raised screws posing hazards to vehicles. It requires frequent, but often ineffective, repairs and is often closed several times a year.
Whakatāne Mayor Nándor Tánczos said the announcement reflects a collaborative effort. “A collective push around a unified purpose can really make a difference,” he stated, adding that he received numerous messages of excitement following the news.
Tánczos noted Bishop had “listened to the local community and freight industry concerns.” He credited the combined efforts of mayors, councillors, MPs, and the transport sector for the positive outcome.
New Zealand Transport Agency identified technical issues during detailed inspections that necessitated a full replacement rather than repairs to the existing foundations. Tánczos said this aligned with community feedback regarding the ineffectiveness of ongoing repairs.
Concerns were raised regarding potential increased traffic through Tāneatua, particularly its impact on the safety of children traveling to school and using a local playground. Tánczos expressed confidence that NZTA would engage with the community to address these concerns.
Councillor Wilson James, who has consistently advocated for the bridge’s replacement, expressed his elation at the news. He believes the new bridge will alleviate pressure on the Whakatāne Bridge, potentially diverting up to 30 percent of traffic from State Highway 30.
Robert Monk, from Robert Monk Transport, welcomed the announcement, stating it was “very good news” and couldn’t come quickly enough. NZTA plans to install steel plates on the existing bridge deck starting mid-next year as an interim measure, though Monk expressed some concern about potential slipperiness when wet.
East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick highlighted the importance of community input in securing the project. She thanked residents and truck drivers who shared information about the bridge’s condition, emphasizing that their voices were crucial in pressuring NZTA to take action.
Design and consenting for the new bridge are expected to be completed by the end of the year, with $5 million in funding already approved. NZTA already owns the land required for the project. The new bridge will be constructed alongside the existing one before its demolition, with an estimated completion time of around 18 months.
The new bridge will be built to accommodate High Productivity Motor Vehicles and will feature earthquake-resilient foundations and an elevated deck to mitigate flood risk.
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