A long-awaited replacement of the Motueka River Bridge and improvements to Tākaka Hill are among the major transport projects being considered for Motueka and Golden Bay over the next decade.
NZTA Waka Kotahi's draft State Highway Investment Proposal for 2027–2037 identifies improvements to the region's state highway network, with a focus on maintaining reliable connections and making roads more resilient to severe weather.
The Motueka River Bridge has long been a concern for motorists because of its narrow width, particularly when larger vehicles are crossing.
The bridge is a key link between Motueka and Riwaka, carrying traffic towards Kaiteriteri, Abel Tasman National Park and Golden Bay.
Tasman Mayor Tim King says replacing the bridge would be an important investment in the district's future.
“Its reputation as a narrow and challenging bridge over one of the more dynamic waterways, the Motueka River, has long been recognised as needing replacement in terms of ease of use – it’s also a key factor in the district’s resiliency. While some years away in the strategy’s timeframe, its replacement will be a positive factor in the forthcoming Spatial Plan.”
While a replacement has been discussed for years, there is no confirmed construction date or funding commitment.
Further west, work to strengthen State Highway 60 over Tākaka Hill is progressing, with $20 million allocated by the Government in Budget 2026.
The route is Golden Bay's only road connection to the rest of Tasman, making it particularly important for residents, businesses and visitors.
NZTA has identified several vulnerable locations along the 30km stretch between Riwaka and Upper Tākaka, where slips, dropouts and erosion threaten the highway.
Proposed improvements include retaining walls, drainage work and measures to stabilise sections of the hillside.
Detailed design work is underway, although NZTA has yet to confirm when construction will begin.
Other proposed improvements to SH60 include new roundabouts at Māpua and Moutere Highway, along with safety upgrades at the Pugh Road and McShane Road intersection near Appleby.
These projects are expected to improve journeys for motorists travelling between Motueka and Richmond.
NZTA says population growth, increasing traffic and severe weather are placing greater pressure on the region's transport network.
However, the draft programme is not a guarantee that every project will proceed, with final decisions dependent on future funding allocations and government transport priorities.
