Three months after Cyclone Gabrielle demolished major sections, State Highway 2 will reopen between Wairoa and Napier – Sunday (14 May).
According to Waka Kotahi, a key factor is that favourable weather has helped to accelerate construction of the Waikare Gorge Bailey bridge.
While construction of the Bailey bridge has been continuing, contractors have also been working on a number of other damaged sites, including at Devil’s Elbow, as well as clearing landslips and debris, and other works to make the road safe.
Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations Jaclyn Hankin says:
“Restoring this access has been an absolute priority for Waka Kotahi. Cyclone Gabrielle caused significant damage across the state highway network in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay, and we’ve worked hard to restore access as quickly and safely as possible. This stretch of SH2 initially saw damage to almost 100 sites – the most damage suffered of any of our regions’ roads.
“While we understand just how important it has been to get the road open as quickly as possible, it’s been crucial to take the time to ensure the road is as safe and resilient as it possibly can be following so much damage.
“The road will look very different to the way it did before the cyclone and we’re still finalising what traffic management and restrictions may be in place to help keep everyone safe and allow our crews to continue repairs to the road.”
Councillor Martin Williams, Chair of the HBRC Transport Committee adds: “This is massive for Wairoa. It has been just so tough on their communities to have had this lifeline to the rest of Hawke’s Bay severed. Waka Kotahi is to be commended for their hard mahi in getting Wairoa and the rest of Hawke’s Bay reconnected as quickly as they have. We owe them a debt of gratitude.”
The new Bailey bridge will be blessed by Ngāti Pāhauwera and Maungaharuru-Tangitu Trust next Saturday, before the entire route reopens to the public on Sunday.