14 Feb 2011

Matahoura Gorge bypass nearly ready

6:37 pm on 14 February 2011

The most significant improvement for more than 45 years on State Highway 2 between Napier and Wairoa is nearing completion.

The $26 million project bypasses a narrow and windy road through the Matahorua Gorge.

On Sunday, thousands of Hawke's Bay people took the opportunity to walk along the 137-metre steel bridge over the gorge, 50km north of Napier.

Wairoa Mayor Les Probert says the region's land transport committee lobbied unsuccessfully for years for a bridge across the gorge.

The bridge and a new section of highway will be opened next month.

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