The NZ Transport Agency advises State Highway 30 will be closed approximately 13 kilometres south of Te Kuiti from 28 September until 9 October for a bridge deck replacement.

The timber deck on the one-lane bridge over the Mokau River needs to be replaced to ensure the bridge remains safe to use.

The detour for traffic will be via Kopaki Road, SH3 and SH4, which will add 12 kilometres or approximately 10 minutes to a journey from Maniaiti/Benneydale to Te Kuiti.

Residents on SH30 south of the bridge, including on Mokau Road, Mangaokewa Road and Powell Road, are reminded that the rail overbridge at Kopaki has a weight restriction for heavy vehicles of 80 percent of class 1 with a speed limit of 10kph. What this weight limit is will vary between trucks, depending on length and axle configuration, but generally it refers to almost fully laden heavy commercial vehicles.

Trucks that are above this 80 percent of class 1 limit and need to access SH30 between Kopaki and the bridge closure will need to use Mangaokewa Road, which is narrow and unsealed.

The replacement rail overbridge at Kopaki is currently at the consenting and land purchase stage and is being progressed as quickly as possible.

In the event of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the finish of this work may be delayed.