Temporary road closure for heavy vehicles advisory

Motorists planning travel on Special Purpose Road 38 around Lake Waikaremoana are advised that the road will be temporarily closed during the day to heavy traffic due to scheduled repairs to Mokau Bridge from 16 May to 10 June 2011.

Situated 10km northwest of Te Urewera National Park visitor centre at Aniwaniwa, the bridge is about to undergo significant structural repairs, including the replacement of the deck and railings. This work was scheduled before, and is not related to, the recent floods.

Wairoa District Council’s Asset Manager for Roading, Aram Goes, said vehicles over five tonne would not be able to travel over the bridge between 6am and 6pm due to the nature of the repair work.

“However, once work is completed for the day, a temporary decking will be put down to allow those vehicles to travel over the bridge between 6pm and 6am,” he said.

“If someone was in a large campervan, for example, they would have to pull up and wait to travel on after 6pm. We know it’s not ideal in terms of convenience, but the work must be carried out.”

Quality Roading and Services (Wairoa) Limited are contracted to carry out the work, which is expected to be carried out over a period of no more than four weeks.

Light vehicles under five tonne would still be able to use the bridge during the day, and delays could be expected.

Signs will be erected at both the Rotorua and Wairoa ends of SH38 to advise motorists of the situation.