SH25/SH25A Thames-Coromandel

12 December 2023

SH25A bridge update

Our team are now on the final stretch ahead of SH25A reopening to traffic next week.

Despite last week’s patchy weather, chip seal and the final layer of asphalt were laid across the bridges and approaches, line marking completed, and all barriers and signage are now in place.

With that critical work complete, the team’s focus this week is to complete all finishing works that can only be done without traffic on the bridge. This includes sealing the bridge barriers, finishing critical drainage connections beneath the bridge, and checking and tidying the site.

Traffic management will be set up to protect vehicles from parts of the site that aren’t complete such as the open channels on the eastern approach and to allow workers to safely access the areas when they return after the break.

The soil nails on the slip face have now been grouted and the team is now installing the bearing plates, meshing and bio-grid mesh.

While SH25A was closed, we made the most of it by clearing slips, stabilising slopes, replacing culverts, installing new seal and signs.Those teams now are also now doing their final works in order to reopen the road.

Side barriers and bio-grid mesh being installed at the eastern bridge approach.

Surfacing under way at the western approach (left) and the eastern approach.

What to expect – planning your first trip on SH25A

We know there is a lot of excitement building about the reopening of SH25A.  Here’s what you need to know before you drive that route.

Our team remain on track for reopening the road by Wednesday 20 December.

After the road opens, the area around the new bridge remains an active worksite, and there will be temporary traffic management with a speed restriction through the area. Please also be aware there are areas of new seal along the road. Please follow all posted speeds to protect the new work.

We understand there will be a lot of interest in the new bridge and changed landscape at the slip site.  It is not safe to stop and sightsee on or near the bridge. Road users need to keep moving through the site.

Traffic is expected to be heavy throughout the holiday period and we need everyone to do their bit to keep things flowing smoothly.

Any closure of SH25A, weather or crash related, has widespread impacts so be tolerant, keep a safe following distance and be conscious of those travelling behind you.

Elsewhere across the Cormandel there is still a number of sites to be repaired following the summer storms. We always have to strike a balance between completing necessary repairs and maintenance to keep highways up to standard – and the impact on traffic and people’s precious holiday time.

That’s why repair and maintenance activity across the Coromandel will finish from noon Friday 22 December 2023 to Sunday night 7 January 2024 to help ease the peak holiday traffic.

Meet the team – Nicola Ruffle

Nicola Ruffle aka Nikki has lived in Thames since 2018, and is site gatekeeper/security officer.

•           Tell us a little bit about your work history – how long have you been doing this, what other projects have you worked on?
I am qualified to level 4 in Health and Safety and recently spent a year training as a Worksafe Inspector. Health and Safety is my passion. I am also a qualified drug screener. I have worked in civil roading construction driving class 2 and 4 trucks, and I have about five years security experience. This is my first ever big project and I have been here for four months.

•           What is special about this one, and have any previous projects given you good insights for this one?
What makes this special are the connections this bridge is going to provide for the people of the Coromandel and beyond.  The businesses can rebuild themselves and bring a sense of community back to reality.  Watching this project develop has shown me when people of all walks of life band together it builds not just a bridge but an awesome family as well. This is the first big project for me.

•           Any local links?
My partner soon husband to be, has lived in Thames for over 30 years. His iwi is Ngāti Hako.

•           Are you living locally during the project and where is home?
I have been living in Thames for the past five years, so Thames is home for me.

•           What might locals spot you doing outside of work – sports/hobbies/interests?
I enjoy walking.  I am an avid collector of gems, crystals and shells.  I am just learning to read tarot cards and teaching myself the art of crystal healing. I hope to eventually open my own crystal healing business within our community of alternative healers.

More information

For more information on the SH25/SH25A Thames-Coromandel project, contact us at coromandel@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/thames-coromandel