The first of the five trusses, being craned into place on Waikanae Bridge.

Shared path taking shape

This week we completed four of five crane lifts at the Waikanae Bridge on old State Highway 1. The clip-ons, made of lightweight composite materials, have been assembled in five truss sections to be installed onto the bridge.

Our construction team used a 220-tonne crane to lift the truss from the truck to the bridge in one move, briefly stopping traffic for the first lift as it was moved near the road.

The remaining lift will be completed next week. Once the trusses have all been lifted into place and secured to the bridge, workers will add the path surface, handrails, and other features. We also have to add a new vehicle safety barrier between the road and the clip-on.

The first crane lift (pictured) was a big achievement for the team working on the new pathway across the bridge. We’re working hard to finish the job as soon as possible so we can fully reopen the road, and hand over a brand-new pathway to the community.

Waikanae is open for business

While these works are happening, please remember you can still travel north over the bridge when you’re heading in to Waikanae, only needing to take the expressway going south. Getting to Waikanae from Peka Peka, Otaki or further north is unaffected by the works.

Waikanae is open, and with over 200 businesses, you may be able to find what you need locally. Please support local if you can.

For more information on what's available, check out the Waikanae Business Association on their website and on Instagram.

Plan your journey

We know it’s taking a little longer to get around Kāpiti while we’re working on Waikanae Bridge on old State Highway 1. With more people using the detour route, Te Moana Road in Waikanae and Kāpiti Road in Paraparaumu are busy at peak times.

Our team at the Wellington Transport Operations Centre have been monitoring traffic on the detour route using CCTV and traffic sensors. They control the phases of traffic lights along state highways. Throughout the project so far they've been adjusting the timing of green lights to avoid queues forming, and to clear them as quickly as possible if they do form.

They've also been observing the busiest times and have created the guide below to help you plan your travel. Expect delays at peak times and allow extra time for travel (or avoid travelling during these peaks if you can).

On Te Moana Road, 8am is peak time on weekdays.

On Kāpiti Road, 8:30am to 9:30am is the heaviest times on weekdays, with other busy peaks at 3pm on weekdays and at 11am on weekends.

Old SH1 is open for people travelling north. Using old SH1 when you travel into Waikanae will help make it easier for us manage traffic on the detour route for people heading south.

Thanks for bearing with us while we work on the bridge. We know it's disruptive when travel routes are changed. We're working quickly to finish the project and get to the stage where we can reopen both lanes on the bridge.

More information

For more information on the Mackays to Peka Peka corridor improvements project, contact us at m2pprevocation@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/m2pp-revocation