The repair of a major dropout in the Tiniroto bluffs next month will start two years of construction in the area, including the rebuild of St Leger Bridge and new Tiniroto bypass.

“I’m pleased we’re starting work for the community out there, with funding only approved in October last year,” said Tim Barry, Council Director Community Lifelines.

The dropout will take up to five months to repair and is the first of 92 complex dropouts in Council’s $52.5m slips and dropouts programme.

The construction tender for St Leger Bridge on Ruakaka Road is open to market until later this month and a contractor for the rebuild will be appointed in July.

“Designs are now underway for the new bridge alignment and the relocating of overhead cables and tree removal happening in the next few weeks,” added Mr Barry.

“We’re aiming to start the St Leger Bridge rebuild in spring and the bypass closer to year end. Both projects will be finished in 2027.”

Tiniroto Road is an alternative route to SH2 to Wairoa and of strategic importance to the region, as well as local residents and industry. The unstable rock faces of the Tiniroto Bluffs are well-known for frequently dropping rock onto the road.

The bypass includes two new bridges, one crossing the Hangaroa River into farmland and another back over onto Tiniroto Road after the second bluff.

“We’re extremely grateful for Government support to create a more resilient and reliable route for local residents and road users.”

These repairs are part of Government’s $230m recovery package for Tairāwhiti local roads which includes the Tiniroto Bypass, Bridges, Slips and Dropouts and Roadside Drainage Supporting Iwi Communities.

More information on Council's recovery programme can be found on Council’s website.

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