The State Highway 25A Taparahi Bridge reopened on 20 December 2023 after a massive landslip destroyed part of the road during the January storms. Photo: NZTA Waka Kotahi / James Davis
A crucial bridge reconnecting both sides of the Coromandel Peninsula is now open.
A massive slip destroyed part of State Highway 25A between Kōpū and Hikuai after storms in late January.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said the highway was now open, with traffic able to cross over the new 124m Taparahi Bridge for the first time on Wednesday morning.
The storms left a "gaping hole" in the highway, and reconnecting the crucial Coromandel link was a daunting task, NZTA regional manager for infrastructure delivery Jo Wilton said.
"The new bridge isn't just the fastest solution, it's the most resilient solution too and it's a tremendous feeling to see it opened and unwrapped today, just in time for Christmas," she said.
Wilton said the area around the bridge remained an active worksite with work underway until about April next year.
"Drivers should be aware there is a speed restriction and areas of new seal along the road. Please follow all posted speeds to protect your vehicle and the new work."
NZTA said traffic was expected to be heavy throughout the holiday period.
It said the cost of the new bridge was about $43 million.
"We've also taken the opportunity with the closure of the road to invest an additional $30 million to clear slips, replace 23 culverts, repair/replace 7km of side drains and complete the strengthening of seven bridges as well as complete slope stabilisation and resealing along the rest of SH25A to ensure the entire corridor is safe and more resilient," Wilton said in a statement.
"We'd like to thank the Coromandel community for their support of the project and we hope everyone enjoys a wonderful holiday under a Pohutukawa on the Peninsula this summer."
The Tairua Business Association's Peter Hunt told Nine to Noon the town was in good spirits.
"The anxiety level was high after Covid, well that continued, hence a huge relief when they announced it was going to be early, and for Christmas.
"It was the best Christmas present Tairua could expect."
Hunt said they were holding a street party to commemorate the re-opening.