07 Oct 2026
2 weeks ago
244 views
The Waikare Gorge realignment project on State Highway 2 between Wairoa and Napier aims to create a safer, more resilient highway supporting economic growth and community connectivity. The nearly 4km realignment includes a 260-metre bridge spanning 65 meters above the river, with construction starting next month and expected to take 3-4 years, minimizing traffic disruption. Initially estimated at $350-425 million, the project cost has reduced to $275-325 million due to competitive tendering and design innovations, forming part of a nearly $1 billion regional road infrastructure investment.
29 May 2026
4 months ago
1102 views
The Government has awarded a contract to HEB Construction to begin the detailed design phase of the SH2 Waikare Gorge realignment project, which will shift the highway away from the vulnerable gorge section and include a new 260-meter single-span truss bridge. Early works and geotechnical investigations are underway, with main construction expected to start after design, consenting, and property acquisition are completed, and the project is anticipated to take up to four years and cost between $350 and $425 million. This realignment aims to improve resilience following damage from Cyclone Gabrielle, maintaining traffic flow with minimal disruption by constructing the new route away from the existing highway.
13 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1545 views
Construction has commenced on the State Highway 2 Hawke’s Bay Expressway, a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing resilience and productivity in the region and creating job opportunities. The project includes various upgrades such as four-laning sections, new overpasses, and a bridge, with completion expected by December 2029. The Expressway serves as a vital link connecting Napier and Hastings, facilitating the movement of people and freight, and is crucial for accommodating the region's anticipated growth.