People in the Coromandel have received an early Christmas present with State Highway 25A officially reopening on Wednesday morning.
There's great excitement across the region after Waka Kotahi - NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) - officially cut the ribbon to open State Highway 25A between Kōpū and Hikuai, with motorists now able to cross over the new 124-metre and 15m high Taparahi Bridge for the first time on Wednesday morning.
The new bridge was completed in record time, in about seven months, and came in under budget. It was estimated to cost $50 million but eventually totalled only $43m.
The bridge will reconnect the road after a section of the highway was washed away and left a "gaping hole" in SH25A after the devastating major storm events in January.
Jo Wilton, regional manager of infrastructure delivery for NZTA, said it left them with the "daunting task" of trying to reconnect the Coromandel as quickly as they could.
"The new bridge isn't just the fastest solution, it's the most resilient solution too and it's a tremendous feeling to see it opened and unwrapped today, just in time for Christmas," Wilton said.
But while the road is officially back open, NZTA urges motorists to drive with care as the bridge remains an active work site with work underway until April next year.
"Drivers should be aware there is a speed restriction and areas of new seal along the road. Please follow all posted speeds to protect your vehicle and the new work," Wilton said.
"The traffic management at the new bridge is there to safeguard vehicles from parts of the site that aren't complete and to allow workers safe access when they return after the Christmas, New Years break."
Traffic is expected to be heavy throughout the holiday period and NZTA asks motorists to do their bit to keep things flowing smoothly.
"We understand there will be a lot of interest in the new bridge and changed landscape at the slip site, but it is not safe to stop and sightsee on or near the bridge. Road users need to keep moving," Wilton said.
"Any closure of SH25A, whether it's weather or crash-related, has widespread impacts, so be tolerant, keep a safe following distance and be conscious of those travelling behind you."
In addition to the new bridge, motorists can also enjoy a safer journey along the whole length of SH25A, with NZTA also upgrading large parts of the highway.
While the road has been closed, NZTA has invested $30 million to clear slips, replace 23 culverts, repair/replace 7km of side drains, strengthen seven bridges and complete slope stabilisation making the entire corridor safer and more resilient.
"We'd like to thank the Coromandel community for their support of the project and we hope everyone enjoys a wonderful holiday under a Pohutukawa on the Peninsula this summer," Wilton said.
"Let Santa know the highway's open and he doesn't need to take the long way around."
The reconnection to the eastern seaboard has come three months earlier than expected and will see holidaymakers flock to the likes of Whangamatā, Pauanui and Hahei in time for the busy summer season.
Tairua business owner Maree Smith told AM earlier this month after a long trading drought, the road reopening is "life-changing".
"We are ready to party", Smith said, "I've taken on extra staff, we'll be open seven days a week, from the time everyone is out for their coffees at 8 o'clock in the morning and we will stay open until the last person leaves."
For the business owners, they are fizzing to get holidaymakers back in town.
"We want to see your smiling faces, we want to see you back at your baches, we want to see the tourists back," Smith said.
And she says they've pulled a few strings with the powers-that-be.
"We've spoken to the weather Gods, and we are going to have a super fine summer."
