Wednesday 20 February 2013

Tuapeka Mouth Ferry update

Planned maintenance and repairs to the Tuapeka Mouth Ferry have been prioritised under Council’s Bridge Repairs Contract 2012/13, recently awarded to SouthRoads Ltd.

Manager District Assets Jules Witt said operation of the ferry, also known as the Tuapeka Mouth Punt, was at this stage still expected to resume in late March as previously advised.

Operation of the ferry was initially suspended on January 10 due to flooding and high flows on the Clutha River. It was subsequently suspended further as a result of damage to the ramp anchor point on the Tuapeka Mouth side.

The Bridge Repairs Contract includes repair and maintenance work to the ferry, including replacing the timber deck and handrails on both ramps, replacing steel beams on one ramp, and construction of a new anchor system.

Mr Witt said this work had been given first priority under the contract to ensure the ferry was operational again as soon as possible.

The Tuapeka Mouth Ferry is located around 30km north-west of Balclutha. It normally crosses the Clutha River daily between 8am and 10am, and 4pm and 6pm.

Mr Witt said the historic punt was used mainly as a tourist attraction, but some locals also used it on a regular basis and Council apologised for any inconvenience caused.

ENDS

For further information/comment, please contact:

Jules Witt

Manager District Assets

Phone: 03 419 0200