Construction of a new bridge on State Highway 36 between Tauranga and Rotorua will begin this month, replacing an ageing culvert more than 80 years old.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop says the existing culvert north of Hamurana, while still safe, has reached the end of its useful life.
“State Highway 36 is a vital connection between Tauranga and Rotorua. The current culvert on SH36 north of Hamurana, while safe to use, is over 80 years old, at the end of its useful life, and it needs replacing,” Bishop says.
The project, costing between $10 million and $12 million, will be delivered by Isaac Construction and will use prefabricated bridge components to speed up delivery.
Bishop says the work forms part of a wider programme to upgrade priority bridges and culverts across the state highway network under the 2024–27 National Land Transport Programme.
“Fixing the basics of our roading network is a priority for this Government, and with many bridges across the country requiring speed and weight restrictions due to their age and condition, it is essential priority bridges are replaced when funding is available with more modern and resilient structures,” he says.
Nine projects were initially approved in July 2024, with a further five priority locations added since, as the New Zealand Transport Agency progresses design, consenting and contracting.
Bishop says state highways play a critical role for freight, tourism and communities.
“Our state highways are critical routes for freight and tourism and serve as important lifelines for communities around New Zealand. We expect our state highway bridges to be well maintained and properly managed, which is why this replacement and maintenance work is so important,” he says.
Construction of the new SH36 Hauraki Stream Bridge is expected to be completed in early 2027.
