Press Release – NZ Transport Agency Ashburton River/ Hakatere Bridge The Ashburton River/ Hakatere Bridge was closed this morning after drivers reported slumping at the Ashburton end. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency engineers are inspecting the bridge and its piers this morning, …
Ashburton River/ Hakatere Bridge
The Ashburton River/ Hakatere Bridge was closed this morning after drivers reported slumping at the Ashburton end.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency engineers are inspecting the bridge and its piers this morning, says Waka Kotahi Journey Manager Tresca Forrester.
“We will know more about possible structural remedies this afternoon,” she says. “We need to understand the degree of damage before we can look at a repair strategy and possible timeframes for reopening the bridge.”
He said some trucks that had to get their freight south were taking the detour. “One or two that absolutely have to are.”
STACY SQUIRES/Stuff
Engineers inspected the Hakatere Bridge on Tuesday afternoon, but high river levels meant a full assessment was not possible. Most trucks that carried freight along State Highway 1 were 50MAX, he said, a new generation of truck that allows for safe and more efficient transport of freight goods by having weight spread more evenly. Some West Coast roads were not suited for 50MAX trucks, he said. “The industry will do what we can to get going. We’re certainly limited by what roading is available.