Recent engineering and laboratory testing has confirmed the 97-year-old Alfredton Bridge can only safely carry light vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes.

Testing of concrete samples found parts of the bridge have reduced structural strength, limiting its load-carrying capacity. To protect public safety and preserve the bridge, a permanent 10km/h speed limit and ongoing heavy vehicle restriction are in place.

Tararua Alliance Network Manager, Andrew Desmond said the testing provides a clear picture of the bridge's condition and confirms the need for long-term restrictions - the bridge remains safe for light vehicles but is no longer able to safely carry heavier loads. These restrictions are necessary to protect both the bridge users and the structure itself. Over the coming weeks, Tararua Alliance will install permanent signage and road markings to replace the temporary traffic management currently in place. Vehicles travelling from the bridge towards Route 52 will be required to stop before entering the intersection.

Heavy vehicles must continue using the Mangaone Valley Road and Pa Valley Road detour. Additional signage will be installed north and south of Alfredton to help drivers avoid the bridge. Tararua Alliance will continue monitoring the bridge while progressing a business case for a long-term replacement option, subject to NZTA approval.

Meanwhile, Cyclone Gabrielle roading recovery works are nearing completion, with less than $1 million of work remaining. 8 high-complexity, 13 medium-complexity and seven low-complexity sites are still to be completed, with the Alliance aiming to finish the programme this financial year. Progress on some sites remains dependent on securing additional funding.

A high complexity recovery project has been completed at Riverdale Road in Dannevirke, where crews stabilised the road to protect it from future erosion from the Mangatera Stream. The project involved constructing a rock wall using 2,400 tonnes of engineered rock to prevent the stream undermining the road, as well as repairing a significant drop-out near the town end of Riverdale Road with a retaining wall.

To ensure the waterway was not impacted by construction, iwi and Horizons Regional Council provided oversight to ensure environmental and cultural values were protected. Tararua Alliance thanks the community for being patient during the temporary road closure. The road is now open, with guardrails being installed. Final road surfacing is planned for later in the year when weather conditions are suitable for sealing.

Funding applications have also been lodged with NZTA for damage caused by the April, June and July storm events, which generated 698 faults across the district roading network.