The first sod has been turned on the Waikare Gorge realignment project between Wairoa and Napier, which includes a 260-metre single-span bridge that will cross the gorge at around 65 metres above the river.
Transport Minister, Chris Bishop said the realignment will lead to a safer and more resilient highway for freight and communities.
“The nearly 4km realignment, on State Highway 2, will ultimately support economic growth across the East Coast,” says Mr Bishop.
Currently, the state highway travels through Pūtōrino, and down into Waikare Gorge. This section of road through the gorge is prone to slips and the gorge bridge was destroyed in Cyclone Gabrielle, severing the connection between Hawke’s Bay and Wairoa for a number of months until a temporary bridge was installed.
“A focus on ensuring the project delivers value for money; it was initially costed at $350-425m in February 2025 but that had dropped to $275-$325m thanks to competitive tender pricing, design innovation of the bridge structure and mitigation of some key risks,” said Minister Bishop.
“It’s an exciting day for Hawke’s Bay, with realignment of this vital East Coast highway creating jobs during construction and providing an efficient, safe and reliable road.
“It’s part of an investment of nearly $1 billion in road infrastructure over the coming years for the region, which also includes the Hawke’s Bay Expressway Road of National Significance project currently under way.”
Construction is expected to start next month and will take three to four years to complete.
The existing temporary bridge will remain in place until the realignment is built.
