Brookfields

Cyclone Gabrielle caused more than $800 million of damage to the transport network, destroying 13 bridges and damaging an additional 40 plus that will require repair, as well destroying culverts, roads and road surfaces.  The initial focus was on emergency works to install 10 temporary bridges and make urgent repairs to reconnect communities.   In some places like Kererū Gorge and Puketapu temporary structures were not feasible, and communities remain disconnected. These areas are priorities for restoring permanent structures.  Hastings District Council is also prioritising work based on the vulnerability of roads to new weather events, levels of road use and the numbers of people affected.

While some larger programmes of emergency works such as clearing large and complex slips along Dartmoor Road are still ongoing, the focus now is on repair and restoration of the transport network so that it best serves our growing community into the future.  Due to the scale and complexity of the work required, the full programme will likely take seven to ten years to be completed. We need people driving on the network to continue to help us look after the temporary structures and diversion routes while this programme is implemented by observing weight and speed limits.

Replacement of Brookfields Bridge is not in the immediate programme of work. A regional transport study is planned to be conducted during the next three years. This study aims to improve resilience by identifying the future form and function of the transport network connecting Napier and Hastings.  The network that will best serve our communities into the future will be modelled and researched. This will inform the necessity and future position of the Brookfield Bridge and consider other options such as the expansion of the expressway to four lanes.