Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s recent monitoring and data analysis of the Ashburton River/Hakatere Bridge shows that it is safe to take trucks (up to 50MAX and High Productivity Motor Vehicles - HPMV) around the clock as of today, says Pete Connors, System Manager for Waka Kotahi.
With the Queen’s Birthday long weekend ahead, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency urges drivers to stay safe and plan ahead, particularly if they are driving long distances in freezing, windy or wet conditions.
Two days after the Ashburton River/ Hakatere Bridge was closed due a slump at one pier, the bridge has opened to more vehicles this morning, including 50MAX and high productivity permitted motor vehicles (HPMV), from 10.15 am.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency will reopen the Porter’s Pass/ Arthur’s Pass route between Canterbury and the West Coast tonight at 8 pm. SH73 between Springfield and the Porter River Bridge has been closed since the weekend’s massive downpours damaged bridges and dumped scree over the highway.
The Ashburton River/ Hakatere Bridge, which is currently open to light vehicles* only, will close at 6 pm tonight for two hours for the completion of pier stress testing.