The Government has awarded a contract for the detailed design phase of the State Highway 2 (SH2) Waikare Gorge realignment between Hawke’s Bay and Wairoa.
The project is being contracted and delivered in two phases, with the detailed design phase the first part to get underway. NZTA has awarded the contract to HEB Construction.
Transport Minister, Chris Bishop said the realignment will shift the highway away from the gorge and introduce a new bridge spanning over the top, removing the need to travel through a vulnerable section of SH2.
“Initial designs have been provided to NZTA, and they show a 260 metre long single-span truss bridge crossing the gorge – 60 metres above the river,” said Mr Bishop.
“We know how critical this section of SH2 is for local road users, freight operators, and the wider communities who use this corridor every day. With funding confirmed by the Government in early 2025, it’s great to see further progress being made on this crucial project.”
This week, HEB carried out geotechnical investigations to inform the final detailed design of the project. NZTA is also currently finalising outstanding property acquisition.
“Early works are expected to get underway later this year, with main construction starting once the design, consenting and property acquisition are completed. Construction is expected to take up to four years to complete. Traffic disruption will be kept to a minimum, as it will be constructed away from the existing SH2, except when it comes to connecting the new road to the existing state highway in the future,” said Mr Bishop.
“We have seen in recent years how vulnerable this section of SH2 is, especially through Waikare Gorge. Cyclone Gabrielle hit the area hard, and while a temporary bridge was installed to restore access across the river, it is great to see progress being made on a permanent replacement for this critical corridor.
“I want to thank local MP Katie Nimon for her strong advocacy for this project and her community.”
The project is expected to cost between $350 and $425 million.
