The Ruakituri Road is on track to reopen on Friday (Feb 5).

The road has been closed for the past three weeks while restrengthening of the Doughboy Bridge has taken place.

Wairoa District Council interim chief executive Kitea Tipuna said it is looking very likely the road will be reopened on the target date of Friday, February 5. However, final confirmation of the reopening will not be made until Thursday, February 4, so motorists are advised to check Council’s Facebook page for any updates.

The Doughboy Bridge was assessed under Council’s bridge strengthening and assessment programme which was funded through the Provincial Growth Funding.

The bridge deck was identified as not having the required strength to meet the changes around HPMV (high productivity motor vehicles) ratios.

The assessment and re-decking of the bridge cost around $260,000 and was paid for through the Provincial Growth Fund funding at no cost to ratepayers.

Mr. Tipuna thanked people who were affected by the closure for their patience while the work was carried out.

He also acknowledged the efficient work of Council staff and contractors.

Caption: The new concrete is curing well and the Ruakituri Road is on track to reopen on Friday with the restrengthening of the Doughboy Bridge nearing completion.

3 February 2021

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