Clean-up operation now in full swing

About half of the wood debris that collected in the Turanganui River at Gladstone Road Bridge after ex-tropical Cyclone Hale struck the district was cleared overnight. Roads leading to the bridge were closed from 7pm yesterday and staff from Advanced Tree Solutions (ATS) and Gisborne Hiabs worked through to 4am to ensure the structure of the bridge remained uncompromised.

“Me and two other arborists have been abseiling down and cutting massive logs that were stuck under the bridge,” ATS manager Jono Wright said.

“We tried to release the pressure that was building up under the bridge due to the clogging up of the massive logs.”

Hiabs managing director Justin Martin said the company used three truck cranes throughout the night and had to be extremely careful. The road will be closed again from 7pm tonight and the contractors hope to have the bridge cleared by tomorrow.

Last night’s operation attracted plenty of onlookers.