21 June 2012
State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupo, commonly known as the Napier-Taupo road, is now able to handle trucks heavier than the normal maximum of 44 tonnes. Known as high productivity motor vehicles (HPMVs), these trucks need special permits to ensure they can safely carry a heavier load. The permits are also linked to those routes where the roading infrastructure is suitable. On many potential routes ageing or under-spec bridges are the limiting factor.The NZ Transport Agency is now accepting HPMV Permit Applications for the Napier-Taupo route, including an Axle Weight Flexibility option. This caters for loads, such as logs, that are difficult to distribute evenly across all axles.
The new classification of the highway follows extensive repair work on the Mohaka Bridge. This involved repairing and strengthening the deck, as well as the steel structure below the deck. This work started in February and involved injecting epoxy in the cracks underneath the deck slabs and installing carbon fibre reinforced polymerplates underneath the deck.
Jennifer Wilson-Kaio, NZTA Assistant Asset Manager says this innovative work was designed to extend the serviceable life of the deck for another 15 or more years, as well as to enable the deck to handle the higher mass limits provided for by the changes.
Anyone wanting to travel over this section of highway can submit their electronic HPMV Permit Application form to NZTA (click here) with all relevant supporting documentation.
Wilson-Kaio cautions that for any routes within and north of Taupo, truckies will need to check with NZTA Permit Issuing Officers in Hamilton and/or Tauranga to see what the HPMV capabilities are for their vehicle configuration.
More? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 06 974 6503.
Source: NZTA circular