Delays expected during Hihi Road bridge repairs

Hihi residents and visitors should expect travel delays while repairs are carried out on the Hihi Road bridge, which provides the only road access to the community. Work will begin on Monday 12 October.

Traffic will be stopped intermittently while the bridge deck is stripped of asphalt and concrete repairs are completed. During closures, general traffic will be allowed through approximately every 30 minutes.  The Contractor will monitor traffic to ensure that there are no undue delays- should this prove unworkable, we will switch to nightworks using similar traffic control.

Access across the bridge will be provided for emergency services at any time with minimal delay.

The work on the bridge deck will take up to two weeks. Other work will be completed afterwards but will not require further bridge closures.

The work includes repairing reinforced concrete, removing and replacing defective concrete, injecting resin to seal cracks and sealing the concrete surface.

Electronic variable message signs (VMS) have been installed on Hihi Road to alert residents and road users of the work and expected delays.

Residents and road users are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time while the work is underway.