Essential repairs for Bonnetts Road Bridge

Bonnetts Road Bridge in Kaitāia will close from Monday 3 to Friday 7 August while contractors carry out repairs designed to extend the life of the bridge.

Contractors have been working on the structure over recent weeks and will now completely close it to traffic, so they can safely repair a damaged section of the bridge deck. Traffic will still be able to travel along Gill Road to Awanui during this time.

The repairs will begin with the removal of temporary steel plates, which will allow engineers to examine the affected area and determine the full extent of the damage to the bridge deck. Once their inspection is finished, contractors will undertake any necessary repairs and put the temporary steel plates back in its place.

The plates will remain in place for at least seven days after the bridge reopens.

The bridge closure will also allow for smaller maintenance tasks, including repainting bridge handrails, welding repairs to steel handrails and localised concrete repairs.

The work forms part of the council’s bridge maintenance programme, helping to ensure the bridge remains safe and reliable for road users in future.

The planned work programme is:

• Monday 3 August: Remove the steel plate, begin concrete breakout and assess the extent of the damage.
• Tuesday 4 August: Engineer inspection, complete breakout works and confirm whether reinforcing steel repairs are required.
• Wednesday 5 August: Install boxing and reinforcing steel if required or begin concrete repairs.
• Thursday 6 August: Complete any remaining reinforcing steel and concrete repairs.
• Friday 7 August: Reinstate the steel plate and reopen the bridge once initial concrete curing has been achieved.