Job done: bridge beams removed

The crane used to remove sections of the damaged bridge from the river upstream of Hikuwai No. 1 bridge. It is pictured being disassembled after completing the task. Picture supplied

State Highway 35 north of Tolaga Bay was due to reopen at 5am today following the removal of the cyclone-damaged Hikuwai No. 1 bridge and the sealing of the approaches to the new Bailey bridge.

The bridge has been closed for 10 days since last Monday to allow the 300-tonne crane to remove the remainder of the old bridge from the river. The crane was then disassembled and taken away from site.

There will be stop/go traffic control in place for a few hours from mid-morning  for a final clean-up at the worksite.

Waka Kotahi Hawke’s Bay/Tairāwhiti system manager Martin Colditz said the beams from the damaged bridge had now been removed from site and transported to Gisborne, where they will be recycled.

“These beams were sitting upstream from the Bailey bridge and removing them has minimised risk of damage to the Bailey bridge in future weather events.

“We want to reiterate our thanks to local communities for using the Pourau Road bypass while the closure has been in place. Their support has made it easier to get the job done quickly, safely and successfully.”