Construction has officially begun on what will be New Zealand’s highest road bridge, at Waikare Gorge in Hawke’s Bay.
The new bridge will stand 65 metres above the river below (roughly as tall as a 20-storey building) and will stretch about 260 metres across the gorge on State Highway 2, between Napier and Wairoa.
It’s replacing a bridge that was destroyed during Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. Since then, drivers have had to use a temporary one-lane bridge to cross the gorge.
Rob Partridge, from the NZ Transport Agency, said building the new bridge had been talked about for about 20 years, but the cyclone finally made it happen. “It’s a unique bridge and it’s a unique gorge,” he said. He expects the project to take about four years, but hopes the team might finish even sooner.
The bridge is expected to cost between $275 million and $325 million. This is cheaper than first thought, thanks to clever design and competitive pricing from building companies.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop said it was “an exciting day for Hawke’s Bay,” as the new crossing should make it easier and safer to get to places like Gisborne.
SMART Prep | Quick Question 
