Damage to the Makaramu Bridge was identified as part of quarterly routine inspections.
Central Hawke’s Bay District Council is introducing a 3.5-tonne weight restriction, effective immediately for the Makaramu Bridge - the bridge connecting to Te Paerahi Beach (Pōrangahau).
This will restrict many vehicles towing caravans along with most RV’s, from access to the campsites and beach.
Following an inspection this week, engineers found structural deterioration on the bridge beam at one of the bridge joints, which makes it unsafe for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes to use.
CHB District Council chief executive Doug Tate says the damage was identified as part of quarterly routine inspections that were put in place in 2021, after a different fault on the bridge was identified, which was repaired in December.
The last inspection was in October 2023 and no faults were identified at that time. Tate says the cause of this new damage is not yet known.
“We understand that this is inconvenient, particularly at this time of year,” says Tate.
“However, the safety of our community and those visiting our region is our number one priority. Heavy traffic could cause further damage so to ensure the structural integrity of the bridge we need to restrict access to light vehicles now until further notice.”
Tate said the council was investigating alternative routes and a fix for the bridge and will keep the community informed over the coming days.
People with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the council on 06 857 8060 (24/7).
Tait says “the council thanks the community for their patience and support as it works to find a solution while ensuring public safety”.
Paunovic moved to Havelock North with her family from Croatia seven years ago.