A road freight association's raising concerns a yet-to-be-strengthened Hawkes Bay bridge's costing the region millions

Weight restrictions on Fernhill Bridge limit access to a maximum of 31 tonnes for eight axled vehicles.

A Transporting New Zealand survey found the detour is costing six local companies over $2-million a year.

Membership Manager Lindsay Calvi-Freeman says NZTA says the bridge is of the highest priority, and so strengthening needs to get underway.

Mr Calvi-Freeman says a firm date needs to be set, in order to combat uncertainty.