Bridges and large culverts across Gisborne District Council's roading network that require repairs due to Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 and storm events prior and following Gabrielle.
Our bridges are vital transport links on an already fragile network. Some bridges are vulnerable to further damage in future storms, so for safety reasons weight and speed limits are in place on those bridges.
After assessing all 424 bridges, we have a programme of work beyond 2027 to repair and rebuild bridges.
8 bridges were destroyed, 96 need significant repairs, 35 need resilience work and 32 were damaged in storm events prior to or post Cyclone Gabrielle.
Bridge location showing stage of progress
The map shows bridges across our network that are in different stages of progress, from options, design, tendering, and construction.
Bridge work in progress by November 2024
96 significant bridge repairs
13 are in construction, 37 in detailed design, 46 repairs completed, 3 bailey bridges installed. 47% completed.
35 minor repair bridges
11 repairs completed, 11 in construction and 13 in design stage.
8 destroyed bridges
By November 2024 - 7 have restricted or alternative access. One bridge is at design stage and Bushy Knoll Bridge has a bailey bridge installed.
Will all bridges be replaced?
Not necessarily, NZTA use a structured business case approach to determine the viability and justification for bridge construction projects. The business case looks at a range of factors to determine whether or not funding will be granted. If funding's not granted for a bridge replacement, there may be options that were identified at the optioneering stage with a reduced level of service, such as ford crossings that may be funded.
Alternative access
Alternative access via Ruakaka Road. Restricted to 3.5T on wet days.
Progress summary for bridge
| Progress | Status |
|---|---|
| Site investigation | Completed |
| Optioneering | Completed |
| Economic evaluation | Completed |
| NZTA funding process | A replacement bridge is likely due to its economic justification |
| Prelim design | Completed |
| Resource consent | Completed |
| Procurement | Ongoing |
| Detailed design | Ongoing |
| Construction - expected completion date | Not likely until end of 2026 |
Alternative access
Alternative route via Tuakau and Ihungia roads.
Progress summary for bridge
| Progress | Status |
|---|---|
| Site investigation | Completed |
| Optioneering | Completed |
| Economic evaluation | Completed |
| NZTA funding process | A replacement bridge is likely due to its economic justification |
| Prelim design | Ongoing |
| Resource consent | Not started |
| Procurement | |
| Detailed design | |
| Construction - expected completion date | Not likely until early 2027 |
Further economic assessment required
Following guidance from NZTA in September 2024, further economic assessment is required before a funding outcome can be given. Replacement of this bridge may not be economically viable as it serves a remote area.
Alternative access
A temporary box culvert has been installed to provide low level river crossing. Access is river level dependent.
| Progress | Status |
|---|---|
| Site investigation | Completed |
| Optioneering | Completed |
| Economic evaluation | Completed |
| NZTA funding process | Completed |
| Prelim design | Ongoing |
| Resource consent | Not started |
| Procurement | |
| Detailed design | |
| Construction - expected completion date |
Further economic assessment required
Further economic assessment is required before a funding outcome can be given by NZTA. Replacement of this bridge may not be economically viable as it serves a remote area.
Alternative access
A low level ford crossing is in place. Access is river level dependent.
| Progress | Status |
|---|---|
| Site investigation | Completed |
| Optioneering | Completed |
| Economic evaluation | Completed |
| NZTA funding process | Completed |
| Prelim design | Ongoing |
| Resource consent | |
| Procurement | |
| Detailed design | |
| Construction - expected completion date |
Project status - completed
The new Hollywood Bridge is a wide single-lane bailey bridge that spans the Hangaroa River and has reconnected a community.
It was initially a temporary solution. Following a comprehensive feasibility analysis, it's now the permanent solution.
The bailey bridge was designed and constructed to a height 2m above the height of the old bridge and offers improved flood and earthquake resilience compared to the previous bridge.
In September 2024, strengthening work was carried out on the bridge to extend its service life to 50 years.
While a new permanent bridge would offer some improvements such as lifting speed restrictions, extending the life of the bailey bridge is a cost-effective solution at this time.
Funding
The cost of $3.2 million was 100 percent funded by the $68m from NZTA's initial cyclone-damaged road network funding.
Project outcome
Replacement of this bridge did not meet NZTA's funding criteria.
Changes in land use have negated the need for the Hangaroa Bridge replacement. A new bridge is still under consideration as part of the Tiniroto Road realignment past the Hangaroa Bluffs.
Alternative access
A temporary engineered crossing has been installed for locals access only.
Investigating alternative road access
Replacement of this bridge did not meet NZTA's funding criteria and won’t be considered for replacement now or in the future. However, NZTA has endorsed investigation into an alternative access road. We've started the investigation.
Alternative access
A low level ford crossing in place. Access is river level dependent.
| Progress | Status |
|---|---|
| Site investigation | Completed |
| Optioneering | Completed |
| Economic evaluation | Completed |
| NZTA funding process | Completed |
| Prelim design | Ongoing |
| Resource consent | |
| Procurement | |
| Detailed design | |
| Construction - expected completion date |
Did not meet funding criteria
Replacement of this bridge did not meet NZTA's funding criteria. It won’t be considered for replacement now or in the future.
Alternative access
A low level ford crossing is in place. The crossing is river level dependent.
| Progress | Status |
|---|---|
| Site investigation | Completed |
| Optioneering | Completed |
| Economic evaluation | Completed |
| NZTA funding process | Completed |
| Prelim design | Ongoing |
| Resource consent | |
| Procurement | |
| Detailed design | |
| Construction - expected completion date |
Project status descriptions
Each stage of the project is crucial to ensure a bridge is built or repaired safely, efficiently and to the required specifications.
Planning and design stage
- Site Inspection: This initial step involves assessing the bridge for damage and determining if a restriction needs to be put in place until the permanent repair is completed. This can involve restricting the bridge to light traffic only up to full closure. The assessment then captures the faults with the bridge and surrounding retaining walls. This also involves taking lots of photos of the site for analysis of past inspection.
- Optioneering: This phase is about evaluating the faults and producing different construction repair options, considering risk and safety aspects to choose the most suitable repair option that ensures maximum safety and structural integrity.
- Detailed Design: This stage involves turning the initial concept into a complete project design package. It includes site testing of materials and ground conditions. This information is then used to produce the construction drawings and tender documents.
Construction stage
- Tendering: The tendering process involves inviting contractors to bid on the repair, providing a price repair methodology and other key information.
- Construction: This phase covers the actual building or repair of a bridge. For a new build this will start from site preparation, foundation construction and beam placement to the completion of the structure.
Repairs can range from hand rail repair to replacing structural components of a bridge.
Completed
- Handover: the bridge can be opened for public use.
Construction is completed, the bridge is inspected any outstanding works are rectified and final inspections are carried out. Then the bridge along with all relevant documentation is formally handed over by the contractor to Council. - Completed: The completed bridge undergoes regular inspections and maintenance by Council.
Bridge repair status updates
The report provides updates on the progress of major and minor bridge repairs, locations and the status of various repair packages.
No results found for ""
Waikereru Bridge on Riverside Road
Frequently asked questions
The map shows timeframes for bridges with major repairs.
For destroyed bridges - see our recovery webpage
Timeframes can change as it depends on funding, resource consent and weather conditions during the construction works phase.
We'll regularly update the map and information above as we move through the project phases.
Repair work is prioritised by the following criteria:
- Level of damage such as weight restriction, if the bridge is closed, or a narrowed approach
- Risk to bridge - if it's at risk of further damage including complete loss
- Importance of the network route
- Daily traffic numbers
- School bus route