The Guardian received an enquiry last week, asking what was going on under the Motueka bridge. Workmen and scaffolding had been sighted, and Nick wanted to know why.
Well Nick, as you suspected but can now be relieved to have confirmed, there is nothing too untoward happening there – the bridge is not in imminent danger of collapse, nor is Downer honing their graffiti skills.
Waka Kotahi-New Zealand Transport Agency’s Rob Service says that contractors are strengthening the bridge’s concrete deck, working on the five spans (or sections between vertical supports) that are closest to the Riwaka end.
“Bridges, like the one over the Motueka River, are an essential part of our state highway infrastructure, and with hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of vehicles using them daily, it is critical we invest in their maintenance and upkeep,” says Rob, who is the Nelson/Tasman system manager.
He says that all the work is happening below the bridge’s deck level, and therefore should not affect road users. It is due to finish later this month.
So there you go, Nick! Thanks for asking!
Would you like to know what the story is with something? Email elise@topsouthmedia.co.nz so she can find out!
