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As part of our ongoing programme of works to improve road safety across the South Wairarapa District, we're planning to convert the existing two-lane Huangarua Bridge on Ponatahi Road into a one-lane bridge.
Why are we proposing this change?
The Huangarua Bridge on Ponatahi Road, just outside Martinborough, is a key link between Martinborough and Carterton.
It has a documented crash history and several identified safety issues. This part of Ponatahi Road carries around 1,570 vehicles per day and provides essential access between the two towns.
Crash data indicates a concerning history of incidents at the bridge, including:
A loss-of-control crash on a nearby bend in 2024
A head-on collision on the bridge itself in 2023
10% of reported accidents across South Wairarapa occurred on Ponatahi Road in the last financial year
The bridge’s current width of 5.5 metres is minimal for safe two-way traffic, especially given limited sight distances and the bridge’s 68-metre length. These factors increase the risk of head-on collisions and make it difficult for wide vehicles to pass safely.
Benefits of converting to one lane
Improved safety for all road users
Reduced risk of crashes, especially head-on collisions
Better accommodation for wide vehicles
Increased driver confidence when crossing the bridge
The proposed change aligns with the South Wairarapa Infrastructure Strategy, which prioritises safety and harm reduction. Our goal is a transport system where no one is injured or killed while moving around South Wairarapa.
Signage and line marking
If the bridge is converted to one lane, new signage and line markings will be installed to clearly indicate right-of-way. This includes:
A yellow diamond-shaped warning sign indicating a one-lane bridge ahead
A round red-bordered sign instructing drivers to give way
A blue rectangular sign with a white arrow indicating priority for oncoming traffic
Line Markings to for safe maneuvering of vehicles
Alignment with Government policy and the SWDC Long-Term Plan
This proposal supports the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024 and aligns with South Wairarapa District Council transport priorities by:
Reducing the number and severity of crashes
Delivering cost-effective safety improvements
Supporting community engagement and understanding
Building resilience into the region’s transport network
We're working to make Ponatahi Road safer for everyone. The main goal is to create a safer road environment, especially along the stretch from Huangarua River to the district's boundary with Carterton.
Next steps
Before we move ahead with this change, we're inviting feedback from the community to ensure we have considered everything and can address any concerns that are raised.
Please email haveyoursay@swdc.govt.nz before 10am Monday 15 December. In your email - please let us know why you do or do not support the change.
As part of our ongoing programme of works to improve road safety across the South Wairarapa District, we're planning to convert the existing two-lane Huangarua Bridge on Ponatahi Road into a one-lane bridge.
Why are we proposing this change?
The Huangarua Bridge on Ponatahi Road, just outside Martinborough, is a key link between Martinborough and Carterton.
It has a documented crash history and several identified safety issues. This part of Ponatahi Road carries around 1,570 vehicles per day and provides essential access between the two towns.
Crash data indicates a concerning history of incidents at the bridge, including:
A loss-of-control crash on a nearby bend in 2024
A head-on collision on the bridge itself in 2023
10% of reported accidents across South Wairarapa occurred on Ponatahi Road in the last financial year
The bridge’s current width of 5.5 metres is minimal for safe two-way traffic, especially given limited sight distances and the bridge’s 68-metre length. These factors increase the risk of head-on collisions and make it difficult for wide vehicles to pass safely.
Benefits of converting to one lane
Improved safety for all road users
Reduced risk of crashes, especially head-on collisions
Better accommodation for wide vehicles
Increased driver confidence when crossing the bridge
The proposed change aligns with the South Wairarapa Infrastructure Strategy, which prioritises safety and harm reduction. Our goal is a transport system where no one is injured or killed while moving around South Wairarapa.
Signage and line marking
If the bridge is converted to one lane, new signage and line markings will be installed to clearly indicate right-of-way. This includes:
A yellow diamond-shaped warning sign indicating a one-lane bridge ahead
A round red-bordered sign instructing drivers to give way
A blue rectangular sign with a white arrow indicating priority for oncoming traffic
Line Markings to for safe maneuvering of vehicles
Alignment with Government policy and the SWDC Long-Term Plan
This proposal supports the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024 and aligns with South Wairarapa District Council transport priorities by:
Reducing the number and severity of crashes
Delivering cost-effective safety improvements
Supporting community engagement and understanding
Building resilience into the region’s transport network
We're working to make Ponatahi Road safer for everyone. The main goal is to create a safer road environment, especially along the stretch from Huangarua River to the district's boundary with Carterton.
Next steps
Before we move ahead with this change, we're inviting feedback from the community to ensure we have considered everything and can address any concerns that are raised.
Please email haveyoursay@swdc.govt.nz before 10am Monday 15 December. In your email - please let us know why you do or do not support the change.
