Wakefield Street Bridge replacement

An image of the Wakefield Bridge in Whanganui East

Background

The Wakefield Street Bridge in Whanganui East, built in the 1950s, has reached the end of its serviceable life. Following a structural failure identified in February 2025, the bridge was closed to vehicles and is now open only to pedestrians and cyclists.

The council’s evaluation of the Wakefield Street Bridge is that repair is not viable, and we are progressing plans for a full bridge replacement.

The request to seek a variation to the Regional Land Transport Programme (RLTP) was taken to the Regional Transport Committee (RTC) in early September 2025. The request was to include the replacement of the Wakefield Street Bridge in the current RLTP, with a projected cost of $2.5 million.

The Regional Land Transport Committee accepted the request in September 2025, with inclusion in the Regional Land Transport Plan. This means the project can be considered at the national level for NZTA funding that may be available before the next NLTP round (2027/30).

Meanwhile, the bridge will remain available to pedestrians and cyclists only, and alternative routes will continue to be managed for vehicles.

Traffic management

Alternative traffic routes around the bridge via Tinirau Street, Holyoake Street, and Eastown Road have been implemented. Barriers and road closure signage has been installed before the bridge in both directions.

The bypass for vehicles remains in place and is being monitored. In response to community feedback regarding increased speeds:

  • Additional speed restriction signage has been installed.
  • A speed advisory/radar trailer has been deployed.
  • Police have been advised and are monitoring the area.

 

Map of the detour route

 

Current status - updated 19 February 2026 (report to Operations and Performance Committee)

Since the last update, there has been significant progress in progressing funding applications.
Read the full report (PDF, 263KB)

The council has now submitted:

  • A Point of Entry (PoE) to Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, which has been endorsed.
  • A Present Value End of Life (PPVEoL) evaluation, ensuring whole-of-life value is properly assessed.
  • An SP2 Structural Bridge Renewal assessment, evaluating economic efficiency and structural renewal options.

The funding request is for a total shared project cost of $2.7 million, with proposed co-funding of 62% from the National Land Transport Fund (NLTF) and 38% from the council. These documents assess three options: demolition; heavy maintenance and full bridge renewal.

NZTA is working closely with the council and currently reviewing this information. A recommendation is anticipated in autumn 2026.

The council will continue to provide updates as funding decisions progress.

Background information

Letter of Request RLTP Variation Wakefield Street Bridge

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