Funding has been approved to strengthen the State Highway 50 Ngaruroro River bridge in Hawke’s Bay, with Transport Minister Chris Bishop saying the move will finally address long-running speed and weight restrictions that have frustrated freight operators since 2022.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi confirmed the strengthening project will proceed, alongside news that a new two-lane bridge will replace the ageing one-lane Pekatahi Bridge on State Highway 2 near Tāneatua — a key freight route between the Port of Tauranga, the East Coast and Gisborne.
Ngaruroro bridge strengthening confirmed
Bishop says the SH50 bridge is a critical part of the Hawke’s Bay transport network and the funding decision will allow long-delayed work to begin.
“The SH50 Ngaruroro River bridge is an important part of the transport network in Hawke’s Bay and the current speed and weight restrictions have been hugely frustrating. I know freight operators will be relieved that with funding now approved, strengthening work can finally get underway,” Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
Temporary restrictions have been in place since October 2022 after assessments found the bridge, while safe, could not support increasing heavy-traffic demand.
“Total project costs are expected to be around $10–$20 million. Design and consenting is now complete and NZTA will be engaging with stakeholders in the coming months. The contractor will be confirmed shortly and construction is expected to start in 2026 and take approximately 11 months to complete,” Bishop says.
Once strengthened, the bridge will be cleared for High Productivity Motor Vehicles and 50MAX configurations — a capacity it has never previously been able to support.
“This is another example of the Government listening to what our regions need to support economic growth, jobs, and improve the reliability of transport networks across our local communities,” Bishop says.
Napier MP Katie Nimon says the upgrade will make a substantial difference for freight operators.
“I’ve heard from the freight sector just how important this corridor is, and what a difference the strengthening work will make to productivity and resilience. I’ve been a strong advocate for this vital work and look forward to our network operating at full capacity again,” Nimon says.
NZTA will confirm further details in the coming months. The existing 30km/h speed limit and weight restrictions will remain in place until construction begins.
Transporting NZ welcomes bridge replacement
National Road Freight Association Transporting New Zealand is also welcoming confirmation that a new two-lane bridge will replace the one-lane Pekatahi Bridge in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
Construction is expected to begin in mid-2027 and take around 18 months. The project is estimated to cost between $64 million and $69 million.
Transporting New Zealand chief executive Dom Kalasih says the current bridge has been a major impediment to freight efficiency, with up to 2,300 vehicles — including 900 trucks — using it daily.
“Transporting New Zealand estimates that bridge closures caused by surfacing issues and repair work cost operators and freight customers approximately $100,000 a day in detour costs. This bridge replacement will be a big boost to the East Coast economy and community,” Kalasih says.
He says the decision reflects persistent advocacy from operators, local businesses and the community.
“This is a good news story about the community and local businesses speaking up on a local transport issue and getting results, and Transporting New Zealand are happy we could provide support through our national membership team and advocacy in Wellington.”
