High rainfall, forecast as part of the Cyclone Gabrielle weather event, could cause the closure of Te Reinga Bridge to vehicles and pedestrians.

The tropical cyclone is battering Northland and Auckland with heavy rainfall and high winds and is moving down the country.

High river levels and flood flows are trigger points to close the Te Reinga Bridge as a safety precaution.

Cyclone Gabrielle is expected to impact Hawke’s Bay from 10am today (Monday) to 10 am tomorrow (Tuesday) with 250 to 350 mm of rain forecast to fall in the ranges, and 100 to 150 mm elsewhere. A further period of heavy rain is possible on Tuesday evening and overnight, with rain forecast to continue on Wednesday.

Wairoa District Council Chief Executive Kitea Tipuna said this preliminary warning regarding the potential closure of the bridge is a heads up to members of the public, particularly Ruakituri and Te Reinga residents, that a closure could occur and people should make their plans accordingly.

“We will continue to monitor river levels and the other trigger points which have been developed as part the Action Response Plan for the temporary design repair of the bridge.

“Public safety is paramount, and we thank the community for their ongoing patience.”

“A reminder, while the bridge remains open, there are restrictions under the temporary repair with the bridge only open to light vehicles with a three-tonne limit at any one time, a 10km speed limit and only one vehicle on the bridge at a time please.”

Council will update the bridge status via direct messaging, Facebook posts and website.

13 February 2023

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