Works on vital bridge

Work has begun to strengthen a bridge on State Highway 10 that would virtually cut off the Far North if it failed. The Waitangi River Bridge north of Puketona was closed to overweight trucks this year when a routine inspection found the concrete was cracking. However, when SH1 — the only alternative — was closed due to slips at Mangamuka Gorge, Waka Kotahi reopened the bridge to even the heaviest trucks, provided they stuck to the middle and drove at 10km/h. Scaffolding was set up around the bridge last week, and strengthening work is expected to be completed in early 2023.