Fernhill Bridge (Ngaruroro River, SH50)
Weight restrictions on the deteriorating Fernhill Bridge on State Highway 50 left some trucks undertaking a 40 kilometre detour around it, several times a day.
Our survey of six local operators found the detour was costing just those six local freight companies and their customers an estimated $2.36 million a year, and producing an additional 500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions through additional diesel consumption. Despite this, NZTA hadn’t allocated any funding to improving the more-than-70 year old bridge.
By elevating the voices of our members, the issue became noticed by mainstream media. Shortly afterwards, NZTA announced that funding had been approved and strengthening works would be underway in 2026. Result!
Read more: Fernhill Bridge costing region millions
Fernhill Bridge strengthening a huge win for freight
