Friday 26 February 2010

Overweight permit system remains for Clydevale Bridge

An overweight permit system remains in place to assist qualifying vehicles to continue to use the Clydevale Bridge, which spans the Clutha River about 22km north-west of Balclutha.

New weight restrictions (50% of Class One; 23 ton maximum) were placed on the bridge in November after a detailed historical investigation found it was never initially designed and constructed for Class 1 (44 ton) loads.

Manager District Assets Jules Witt said an overweight permit system to assist qualifying vehicles to continue to use the bridge under prescribed conditions remained in place. Applications should be made to MWH New Zealand’s Balclutha office.

Mr Witt said Council was concerned, however, that a number of large commercial vehicles were still exceeding the 10km/h speed restriction on the bridge.

“Speed is a major factor when it comes to the cause of damaged bridges. Many motorists would assume the quicker they get off the bridge then the less wear would occur. However, this isn’t the case.”

Mr Witt said there would be increased surveillance at the bridge, with the Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit asked to carry out random checks.

The Clydevale Bridge  is strategically located, linking Clutha with Central Otago, and is the only major bridge over the Clutha River in the district capable of handling wide loads.

Council had already earmarked the bridge for major maintenance/repairs over the next five years. It will be having further discussions with the bridging specialists and funding division at the New Zealand Transport Agency to determine the way forward for the long-term future of the bridge.