The one-lane Kopu Bridge near Thames, Coromandel, has closed causing traffic to be diverted through Paeroa.
The issue was reported shortly before 2pm. Vehicles on the bridge were asked to reverse back to solid land.
NZTA Acting State Highways Manager Hamilton Michelle Te Wharau says the bridge remains structurally sound, and the closure is a precautionary measure taken after a problem was discovered with a steel bracket on the swing-span section of the bridge, which opens to allow boats to navigate past the bridge.
“We appreciate motorist’s patience and understanding as we work to re-open the bridge as soon as possible,” Mrs Te Wharau says.
The bridge is well-known for its frustrating bottle-neck flow; particularly in summer, with those from Auckland and Waikato heading to their holiday homes.
A new bridge is in the process of being built, due to be completed in July 2012 according to the New Zealand Transport Agency.
3 News