A triumph of perseverance is unfolding as State Highway 25A Taparahi reopens its winding picturesque route this morning after an extensive reconstruction effort.

State Highway 25A Taparahi between Kōpū and Hikuai suffered significant damage with the road collapsing after the North Island’s major storm event in late January 2023.

The road, ravaged and closed by a substantial slip, witnessed an ambitious rebuild, including the construction of a new bridge that now spans the challenges nature has thrown its way.

A timelapse of workers building the new bridge over the slip over the course of four months:

On January 15 2023 cracks were first seen on the surface of SH25A.

On Friday, January 27 the road was fully closed to ensure the safety of people using the road and the NZTA Waka Kotahi team on the ground.

During the storm event later that day, the cracks widened and worsened and a significant section of SH25A collapsed. The site continued to be active for several days after, with further material slipping into the gully below.

The slip caused a significant section of SH25A to collapse. Photo: NZTA Waka Kotahi.

Work began immediately to determine the best option for reconnecting SH25A. A bridge was confirmed as the best option to fix SH25A, based on the ability to build back better in the shortest timeframe.

It was also selected because it would reconnect the Coromandel Peninsula communities most quickly, was seen to be the safest and most resilient option, and work could continue throughout winter.

Waka Kotahi selected a joint venture between McConnell Dowell and Fulton Hogan, supported by Beca and Tonkin and Taylor to design and build the bridge.

While the type of bridge proposed would usually be expected to take 12 to 14 months to construct, Waka Kotahi worked with the joint venture to accelerate delivery with the initial aim of having the route open by the end of March 2024.

In late November and early December workers finished connecting the bridge's concrete barriers together and installed railing along the barriers. They also worked through the night to lay asphalt on the bridge.

Work continued on the approaches to the bridge, including installing side barriers, drainage, and hydroseeding (spraying plant seeds) on the slopes alongside the road.

Work to secure the slip face was also undertaken.

Workers reconstructing the road and bridge on SH25A Taparahi. Photo: NZTA Waka Kotahi.

Workers then resealed the road surface on the approaches to the bridge and put the final asphalt layer on the bridge. This required a few days of dry weather.

Side barriers on the approach roads were also installed, and workers continued with the stormwater drainage. They then worked through the final bits and pieces to complete the road such as line marking, tidying the site and installing signage.

Workers reconstructing the road and bridge on SH25A Taparahi. Photo: NZTA Waka Kotahi.

By mid-November 2023, when the bridge deck was in place, it was announced the road would reopen before Christmas 2023, three months earlier than initially proposed.

“SH25A will open by Wednesday 20 December,” says an NZTA Waka Kotahi spokesperson.

“The area around the new bridge will still be a worksite when the road opens—the speed limit through the site will be reduced and we'll have traffic management in place.”

Workers reconstructing the road and bridge on SH25A Taparahi. Photo: NZTA Waka Kotahi.

Motorists are advised not to stop when approaching or travelling over the bridge.

“If you're planning to travel on SH25A, it's not safe to stop on the bridge and sightsee.

“Next week we’ll be publishing plenty of video and images, and you’ll be able to see the new bridge and the land around it in detail.”

Diligent worker have been on the home stretch this last week, with unwavering determination, labouring tirelessly to put the finishing touches in place, ensuring that the thoroughfare welcomes travellers once again just in time for Christmas.

Coromandel MP Scott Simpson visiting the site this week. Photo: Supplied.

“Grateful to the contractors who have worked so hard to get the job done that will get Coromandel back on track for this summer,” says Coromandel MP Scott Simpson.

“Thanks very much for your patience while the amazing workers have restored SH25A for you, and thanks for your interest and support as we’ve updated you each week on our progress,” says an NZTA spokesperson.

The reopening stands as a testament to both human resilience and the commitment to restoring the lifelines of our scenic Coromandel landscapes and communities.

John Freer from the CFM team did a flyover of the Taparahi Bridge: