Tuesday 5 May 2009

Temporary ford for Tuapeka River

A temporary ford will be constructed at Tuapeka Mouth to provide restricted vehicle access while the Tuapeka Mouth Bridge undergoes major repairs.

The bridge, linking Tuapeka Mouth Road and Tuapeka West Road at Tuapeka Mouth, will be closed until about 26 June, much longer than first anticipated, due to significant rusting of the steel beams.

Clutha District Council Manager District Assets Jules Witt said the use of the ford was suggested by locals in the Tuapeka area. It would be on a temporary basis only and would cease once the Tuapeka Mouth Bridge is reopened.

“This is the most practical and cost-effective solution to allow at least some vehicle access across the river while the bridge is closed,” he said. “Council did look at the possibility of culverts or temporary bridging, however, these options were likely to cost up to $80,000 and take time to put into place.”

Mr Witt said pedestrian access across the river was opened last Saturday.  “Council appreciates the efforts of the consultant, MWH, and the contractor, Fulton Hogan, and especially their on-site staff for getting this up and running and assisting locals with access where possible.”

Mr Witt said the ford would allow occasional tractor, large 4WD or emergency vehicle access across the river in typical flow conditions – but would not be able to be used in high flow conditions.

The exact ford location will be determined on-site, so that factors such as ease of vehicle access, depth of river flow, and minimising riverbank disturbance can be taken into account. However, the site is likely to be about 750m upstream from the bridge in an area where the stream bed is rocky and the typical flow depth is around 450mm.

Mr Witt said that Council also appreciates the feedback from local residents who are affected by the closure and the approach of the Otago Regional Council to work towards finding a common-sense solution that minimises the impact on the river while providing at least limited access across the river.

Mr Witt said Council was hopeful the temporary ford would be in place by the end of the week.

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