Funding approved to strengthen SH50 Ngaruroro River Bridge in Hawke’s Bay

Mr Bishop thanked local communities across Hawke’s Bay for their patience, as well as MPs Katie Nimon and Catherine Wedd for their advocacy in pushing the project forward.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed confirmation from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) that funding has been approved for long-awaited strengthening work on the State Highway 50 (SH50) Ngaruroro River Bridge, located south of Fernhill in Hawke’s Bay.

Mr Bishop said the bridge is a critical component of the region’s transport network, particularly for freight movement, and acknowledged the frustration caused by the speed and weight restrictions that have been in place for more than two years.

The temporary restrictions were introduced in October 2022 following an engineering assessment which found that while the bridge remained structurally safe for use, it lacked the capacity to cope with sustained heavy traffic demands. Since then, a reduced speed limit of 30km/h and strict weight limits have been enforced to protect the structure and ensure public safety.

“With funding now approved, strengthening work can finally move forward,” Mr Bishop said, adding that freight operators and businesses across Hawke’s Bay would be relieved to see progress on a project that is vital for regional productivity.

The total cost of the project is expected to be between $10 million and $20 million. Design and consenting processes have now been completed, and NZTA will begin engaging with local stakeholders in the coming months. A contractor is expected to be confirmed shortly, with construction scheduled to begin in 2026. Once underway, the strengthening work is expected to take approximately 11 months to complete, with temporary traffic management remaining in place throughout the construction period.

Mr Bishop highlighted the significance of the upgrade, noting that once the work is completed, all current speed and weight restrictions will be lifted. Importantly, the bridge will become suitable for High Productivity Motor Vehicles (HPMVs) and 50MAX freight configurations, which it has never been able to accommodate, even prior to the 2022 restrictions.

“This will be a major step forward for the region’s freight capability, improving efficiency, reducing costs, and strengthening the resilience of the transport network,” he said.

The project has been strongly supported by the freight sector, which relies on SH50 as a key corridor connecting Hawke’s Bay’s horticulture, agriculture and export industries to processing facilities and ports. Mr Bishop said he had heard directly from operators about the economic impact of the restrictions and the difference the upgrade would make once completed.

Napier MP Katie Nimon also welcomed the announcement, describing the strengthening work as essential for restoring the corridor to full capacity. She said the project would significantly improve productivity and resilience for businesses that depend on reliable transport links.

Mr Bishop thanked local communities across Hawke’s Bay for their patience, as well as MPs Katie Nimon and Catherine Wedd for their advocacy in pushing the project forward. He reiterated that while progress is now locked in, safety remains the priority until construction begins.

NZTA will release further details as the project moves closer to construction. In the meantime, the existing 30km/h speed limit and weight restrictions will remain in place to protect the bridge and ensure it can continue to operate safely until strengthening work is completed.