The Makaretu Bridge on Mangapoike Road has been placed under weight restriction traffic control to ensure safe operation while maintaining reasonable access for local road users.

Makaretu Bridge is a 90-year-old bridge that was a Class 1 (unrestricted weight) bridge.

The bridge is on the same road as Te Puna Bridge, which is undergoing major structural repair as part of the Cyclone Gabrielle Recovery. An assessment of the Makaretu Bridge indicates it can safely carry up to 80% of the standard General Axle loading, provided suitable operational controls are in place.

As a result, the following actions have been put in place:

• Heavy vehicle restrictions include excluding overweight vehicles, including HPMV and 50MAX vehicles. General Access vehicles are permitted up to 80% of legal loading.
• A permanent 30km/h speed limit will apply on the bridge to reduce dynamic loading effects and allowing a single vehicle at a time.
• Standard heavy-vehicle restriction signage will be installed, clearly showing allowable vehicle weights by axle count.

Regular inspections and monitoring will continue, and Council is working through a replacement/repair programme and is in discussion with NZTA.

7 May 2026

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