Pekatahi Bridge (SH2)

When NZTA advised that its National Land Transport Programme budget was oversubscribed, the Pekatahi Bridge on State Highway 2 was not prioritised for upgrade. This meant the 3,000 vehicles that used the 100-year old bridge daily would need to continue relying on ongoing temporary repairs despite the bone-juddering drive damaging vehicles and freight.

One of our members documented the bridge’s condition – marked by extensive potholes and visible defects – and we shared their video on social media to call for urgent action.

The response was immediate and significant. Within just a few days, the post reached over 105,000 people and generated strong public feedback, with users sharing firsthand accounts of the impact on their vehicles, safety, and livelihoods. 

Shortly after, NZTA confirmed funding to replace the bridge deck, with construction expected to begin in early 2026.

Read more: Transporting New Zealand hails two-lane Pekatahi Bridge replacement