NZTA shuts down State Highway 53 bridge in Wairarapa after road breaches

Truckies ignoring traffic controls are being blamed for closing down a key highway in Wairarapa.

Maintenance crews have been working on the Tauwharenīkau Bridge on State Highway 53 between Featherston and Martinborough.

The bridge is up on jacks and has been closed to heavy vehicles because they pose a safety risk.

While heavy vehicles had to go through a detour, light vehicles could access the road at night and on weekends, under a 30km/h speed restriction.

Wellington Alliance manager Roxanne Hilliard said trucks were known to have crossed the bridge on Monday night, ignoring the traffic management controls.

"For safety reasons, we cannot risk a repeat of last night's incident. It simply creates too much risk for our work crews and the bridge."

Hilliard acknowledged the disruption to residents and regular route users, but said safety was the top priority.

"Unfortunately, given the events of last night, we have no other choice, and we are deeply disappointed we have had to make this call.

"Investigations into the closure breaches and those responsible are underway, and NZTA/Waka Kotahi reserves the right to refer matters to police, if necessary."

The bridge will be closed all traffic until repairs are completed next month, and motorists will have to detour via Camp Road, State Highway 2 and No.1 Line back onto SH53.

Residents can access their properties via the detour routes during the closure.