The NZ Transport Agency advises that Kopu Bridge on State Highway 25 south of Thames is expected to reopen to traffic around 7pm this evening.

NZTA Acting State Highways Manager Hamilton Michelle Te Wharau says the bridge was closed as a precautionary measure at 1.45pm this afternoon after contractors working on the new Kopu Bridge noticed a fault with the swing span section of the bridge.

Detours were immediately put in place for traffic travelling in the area, whilst an assessment was carried out by engineers. The detours may add up to additional 30 minutes to travelling time.

“We want to reassure the public that the bridge remains structurally sound. The fault detected today was caused by a bolt failure on a steel plate which bridges a 100mm gap between the swing span section of the bridge and the main deck. A new plate is being welded into place now to enable the bridge to re-open to traffic as soon as possible.

“We would like to thank motorists for their patience and understanding while we worked quickly to resolve this issue,” Mrs Te Wharau says.

A further update will be issued once the bridge is re-opened to traffic.

ENDS

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