Temporary closure of SH35 this Sunday

The NZ Transport Agency is advising East Coast residents that SH35 will be closed between Tokomaru Bay and Te Puia Springs for up to 12 hours from noon this Sunday (27 March).

NZTA Acting Regional Highways Manager Gordon Hart says the closure is necessary in order to allow for the installation of a temporary bailey bridge over the Mangahauini gorge while repair work is carried out on the Mangahauini Bridge, to repair damage to the centre bridge sustained during severe rains on Tuesday evening.

Mr Hart said the NZTA was monitoring the bridge constantly and it remained safe for use be traffic, but the repairs were necessary to prevent any further damage. The NZTA had spoken with local timber operators and the Road Transport Forum to advise of the planned closure and to ensure that trucks remained within safe loading capacity.

Mr Hart said there were also likely to be short term power cuts to a small number of homes in the immediate area associated with the works, as Eastland Energy will need to cut power to a overhead wire very close to where the cranes will be working. Power would aim to be restored before 4pm. Mr Hart said the NZTA apologised to local residents and road users for any inconvenience while this important safety work is carried out.

ENDS