Bay of Plenty Bridge Upgrade Urged After Flood Chaos

Councillor Demands Solution to “Choke Point” Disrupting Key Highway

A vital Bay of Plenty highway bridge is being targeted for significant upgrades, with a local councillor calling for it to be both raised and extended. The plea comes in the wake of recent flooding that completely severed a crucial transport link between Ōpōtiki and Whakatāne.

“Pointless” Roundabout Ignored Bridge Flaws

The Matekerepu Bridge’s inability to cope with floodwaters was a central topic at a recent Ōpōtiki District Council meeting. Councillor Tom Brooks branded the newly constructed Matekerepu roundabout as “pointless” given its proximity to the frequently inundated bridge.

Brooks questioned the decision to forgo bridge improvements during the roundabout’s development. He recalled being informed at an Eastern Bay Road Safety Joint Committee meeting, which includes NZTA representation, that no budget existed for such work and it had not been considered.

He reiterated his concerns following the previous day’s flooding, which submerged the bridge. “The nice new roundabout that is being built is superfluous if we can’t get over the bridge,” he stated, highlighting the absence of any viable detour.

Bridge a “Choke Point” for Wider Region

Describing the bridge as a significant “choke point,” Brooks emphasized its impact not only on Ōpōtiki but also on the entire East Coast, extending as far as Gisborne. He indicated he was sharing his thoughts with the joint committee secretary to draft a letter to the Bay of Plenty Regional Transport Committee and the Minister of Transport.

He urged fellow councillors to voice their concerns and stressed the need for Gisborne District Council to be apprised of the situation. “It affects the resilience of our town and up the coast,” Brooks commented, advocating for a unified push for government action. “If you’re going to do something, let’s do it once, and do it right. If that bridge was raised and had a bigger span, that water could go right under there.”

Lifespan Questioned Amidst Calls for Modernisation

Councillor Maxie Kemara concurred on the necessity of updating the bridge. He recalled an NZTA staff member at a recent pōwhiri at Roimata Marae stating the bridge had a 20-year life expectancy remaining, a claim that appears increasingly dubious in light of recent events.

Mayor David Moore acknowledged the importance of the issue, confirming he had briefed East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick during her recent visit to the area. The situation highlights broader national concerns about infrastructure resilience. For example, in February 2024, flooding on State Highway 1 in the lower North Island also caused significant disruptions, underscoring the vulnerability of key transport routes to extreme weather events (Source: NZTA Waka Kotahi).