During October last year alone, the Waihenga bridge closed three times due to flooding, on the 12th, the 23rd and 28th. An engineer's assessment has resulted in the speed limit on Lower Valley Bridge being reduced to 10kmh. Olds said a recent audit of the district's bridges had raised concerns about some, including the Lower Valley bridge. Closure of SH53 will trigger the closure of Lower Valley Bridge." Olds said of the bridges identified with concerns, Lower Valley Bridge was a key priority.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 14, 2026 06:23 UTC