The weight limit on Mercer Bridge on Mercer Ferry Road has been reduced.
The bridge is the responsibility of Waikato District Council, but Franklin Local Board chair Angela Fulljames says many Franklin locals, particularly truckies, use the bridge regularly.
The bridge has been reposted at 80 per cent of Class 1 with a 10kmh speed limit, which means trucks of more than 35,000kg will not be able to use it.
Large truck and trailer units such as milk tankers and laden heavy transport vehicles will be affected.
The restriction will be in place until the bridge can be strengthened, and fortnightly inspections will take place after structural capacity issues were identified.
"The bridge is a key access point to State Highway 1 so there will be disruption, but safety has to come first," Ms Fulljames says.
Transport organisations, industry bodies and agricultural organisations have been contacted and provided alternate routes.
