The flood-damaged bridge at Tokomaru Bay in Gisborne has been repaired and was reopened today, reconnecting the area with the wider community.
Photo: RNZ / Tom Kitchin
An abutment was washed out 10 days ago, leaving a 16-metre gap in State Highway 35 between East Cape and Gisborne.
Transport Minister Michael Wood, who was at the reopening, said people living north of the Mangahauini bridge will once again have access to essential services and supplies.
He said crews worked tirelessly to install more than 4000 tonnes of rock that form the base of the new support for the bridge approach.