Ngaruroro River Bridge strengthening contract signed

A contract has been signed to strengthen the State Highway 50 (SH50) Ngaruroro River Bridge located south of Fernhill. The project, which is expected to cost between $5 million and $10 million, will be delivered by Downer.

The bridge is over 80 years old and has been subject to speed and weight restrictions since October 2022. Once construction is finished, these restrictions will be lifted, allowing the bridge to support High Productivity Motor Vehicles (HPMV) and 50MAX freight configurations.

Construction is scheduled to begin in October and is slated for completion next year. Transport Minister Chris Bishop noted that the bridge is a vital route for freight operators, local businesses, and emergency services in the Hawke’s Bay region.