Hastings’ new Dartmoor Bridge build underway

Work has started on the construction of a new, permanent Dartmoor Bridge, after it was destroyed during Cyclone Gabrielle three years ago.

The bridge was one of 13 bridges in the region which was badly damaged by the cyclone.

Hastings Mayor, Wendy Schollum said the bridge rebuild was another significant step in the cyclone recovery efforts to restore the region’s transport network.

“Safe, resilient roads and bridges aren’t just infrastructure – they’re how people get to work, to school, and how goods move across our district. When that connection is disrupted, the impact is felt far beyond one community,” she said.

“Rebuilding Dartmoor Bridge is about restoring that certainty. We’re not simply replacing what was lost – we’re building back stronger, with a safer, more resilient design so our whole district is better prepared for future severe weather events.

“I want to acknowledge the patience of the Dartmoor community while temporary access has been in place and thank them for working with us as we deliver this fully funded, long-term solution.”

The replacement bridge is being constructed downstream of the existing temporary bridge, to allow ongoing access throughout the build.  

The new bridge will be 104 metres long and 5.84 metres wide, made up of four 26-metre spans, a substantial upgrade from the original bridge, which measured 88.5 metres in length and 3.23 metres wide, with seven spans. 

Designed for long-term resilience, the new bridge deck will sit above 1-in-500-year flood levels and is engineered to withstand a 1-in-500 year earthquake.  

After considering traffic volumes, and the major earthworks to stabilise ground needed to construct a two-lane bridge, which would impact the cost and risk of the project, the business case couldn’t justify a two lane bridge that would be funded, and so the new bridge will be single-lane, with improved approach angles and safer turning movements, the Council said in a statement.

The build will be delivered by the same Fulton Hogan construction and WSP construction supervision teams responsible for the Moteo-Puketapu and Rissington Bridge rebuilds, with this bridge designed by Stantec. 

Early works have begun on site, following an early morning karakia by mana whenua, with the first stage including site establishment, fencing and walkways, and vegetation clearance. 

The project has an approximate value of $13.3 million and is being fully funded through the National Infrastructure Funding and Financing (NIFF) programme, part of a broader funding package delivering a vital 21 projects across the district. 

The bridge is expected to be completed in December this year.