New SH27 Bridge Project Set to Begin in Waikato

State Highway 27 carries approximately 3,500 vehicles each day, with heavy vehicles accounting for around 21 per cent of total traffic.

Construction of a new bridge on State Highway 27 between Tahuna and Patetonga will begin later this month, marking the start of an important infrastructure upgrade for the Waikato region. Transport Minister Chris Bishop said the existing Ohinekaua Stream Bridge has served the area for around 80 years and has reached the end of its operational life. Replacing the ageing structure will help ensure the route remains safe and dependable for motorists, freight operators, businesses and local communities that rely on the highway every day.

Downer NZ has been awarded the contract to carry out the work, with site preparation and enabling activities scheduled to start from 22 June. The project carries an estimated cost of $3.26 million and is expected to be completed before the end of 2025.

Temporary bridge to keep traffic moving during construction

To minimise disruption, a temporary diversion and single-lane Bailey bridge will be installed by late July, allowing traffic to continue using SH27 while construction takes place. Traffic lights will control the temporary crossing and will operate with a reduced speed limit of 30 kilometres per hour. While delays are expected to be relatively short, motorists are being advised to allow extra travel time once the temporary bridge becomes operational.

State Highway 27 carries approximately 3,500 vehicles each day, with heavy vehicles accounting for around 21 per cent of total traffic. The temporary structure has been designed to accommodate HPMV 50MAX freight vehicles, ensuring the route remains accessible for most commercial transport. Oversized loads will not be able to use the temporary crossing.

The approach allows the state highway to remain open throughout construction, reducing impacts on local residents, freight movements and emergency services.

Bridge upgrade forms part of wider resilience programme

The SH27 project is one of several bridge and culvert upgrades being delivered through the Government's transport investment programme. Funding for work at nine priority bridge and culvert locations was approved as part of the 2024–27 National Land Transport Programme. Since then, five additional priority sites have been added, with NZ Transport Agency teams progressing planning, design and procurement activities ahead of construction.

Bishop said many bridges across New Zealand are ageing and increasingly require speed or weight restrictions. Replacing critical structures when funding becomes available helps create a more resilient transport network and reduces the risk of future disruptions. He said state highways play a vital role in supporting freight, tourism and community connectivity, making ongoing investment in bridge infrastructure essential.

Once completed, the new Ohinekaua Stream Bridge is expected to strengthen the resilience of the wider Waikato transport network while improving reliability for residents, businesses and emergency services travelling through the region.