Published on 12 August 2026
Dublin Street Bridge will have a temporary one-lane closure this Friday, 14 August while Whanganui District Council carries out further assessment and measurements of two damaged overhead bridge braces.
The eastbound lane, for traffic crossing from Somme Parade to Anzac Parade, is scheduled to be closed between 9.30am and 2.00pm, with traffic management in place. The bridge will remain open to traffic heading from Whanganui East to Somme Parade and for pedestrians and cyclists.
Council chief infrastructure officer Lance Kennedy says the work is important to ensure the damaged bracing is repaired appropriately. The assessment is being done outside of peak times for work and school drop-off and pick-ups. The lane will be reopened as soon as work is complete.
“We are grateful to the people who brought the damage to our attention. Our engineers have inspected the bridge and confirmed it remains safe for public use, but the two damaged braces need to be repaired.
“This first closure is about getting the measurements and information we need to plan the repair carefully. It’s important that our contractors can work safely, and that we give them the space they need while keeping people travelling across the bridge safe.
“We don’t know how the damage occurred. It was reported to us on Friday 31 July and, while we can’t confirm the cause, one possibility is that it may have been caused by a tall vehicle striking the braces.
“We’d really appreciate people letting NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi know if they see a vehicle that might be too tall or heavy crossing the bridge. Details such as the date and time, photographs, vehicle registration or company name can be helpful.”
The bridge has clearly marked height (3.7m) and weight restrictions, and motorists are reminded to take care when crossing.
During Friday’s lane closure, eastbound traffic will be detoured via Whanganui City Bridge. Motorists should follow traffic management directions and allow a little extra time for their journey.
A second temporary closure will be required once repair works begins. Details of that closure will be announced once the timing is confirmed.
The repair work is being carried out as part of the Whanganui Alliance, with the council and NZTA funding the repairs. No details of cost are available at this stage.
“We know any change to how people get around the city can be inconvenient, so we really appreciate everyone’s patience and care while we get this work done,” Lance Kennedy says.
“Most importantly, please take care around the work site, follow the traffic management in place and help us keep our contractors and everyone using the bridge safe.”
To make a report to NZTA, please use this link: www.nzta.govt.nz/contact-us/complaints/commercial-operator-complaint-form
Driving offences can also be reported to Police by calling 105.