Matapiro Bridge – Restoring a Critical Hawke’s Bay Connection

Article written by Nigel Holman – Transport Sector Lead

The Matapiro Bridge on Matapiro Road in Crownthorpe is a critical transport link for Hawke’s Bay, supporting agricultural production, connecting freight routes to Napier Port, and providing access for local residents commuting into Napier.

When Cyclone Gabrielle struck, the bridge was one of 19 bridge structures destroyed across the region. Originally built in 1955, the bridge was completely washed away, while the surrounding approach roads suffered extensive damage. Restoring this connection was essential to reconnect communities and support the movement of people and goods throughout the region.

As part of the Design and Construction contract, Vitruvius supported Concrete Structures NZ and bridge designers Holmes to deliver the design of the replacement approach roads and associated traffic services.

The approach roads formed the critical link between the new bridge and the existing road network. Their design required careful coordination of road geometry, levels, drainage and constructability to ensure a seamless connection with the bridge works and surrounding infrastructure. Particular attention was given to transition details at the bridge abutments and tie-ins to existing assets, ensuring the approaches could be constructed efficiently and perform seamlessly once opened to traffic.

Working closely with the contractor and wider project team, Vitruvius adopted a practical, construction-focused approach that enabled early resolution of design interfaces and alignment with construction sequencing and site constraints. Through pragmatic design solutions, clear communication and strong interface management, the team helped maintain programme certainty while delivering high-quality outcomes.

The completed bridge approaches have restored a vital transport corridor for Hawke’s Bay, reconnecting local communities, agricultural producers and key freight routes. Initially awarded $9 million through National Infrastructure Funding and Financing, the project was ultimately delivered for significantly less, demonstrating the value of collaborative delivery and practical engineering solutions.