Bridge closed for repairs to take place

Waipapa Landing Bridge in Kerikeri will be closed for at least two days this month to allow for essential maintenance.

The Far North District Council plans to close the bridge, which spans Waipapa Stream on Landing Rd, to traffic on December 10 to replace deck boards.

Council infrastructure and asset manager David Penny said contractor Transfield Services expected to take two days to complete the repairs which could not be done safely while traffic was using the bridge.

"We hope to finish the repairs on December 11, but have given Transfield permission to close the bridge on other days until December 20 if bad weather interrupts work."

Traffic would be diverted along Kapiro Rd, State Highway 10 and Waipapa Rd while the bridge was closed.

"We appreciate this detour will significantly lengthen people's journeys, so plan to carry out the repairs when daytime traffic volumes are at their lowest."

Transfield would close the bridge at 9.30am each day and reopen it at 2.30pm so people can use the bridge to travel to and from work or school. The council apologised for any inconvenience.