Police seek bridge wrecker

Winton police are looking for a John Deere tractor that made a real mess of an old wooden bridge on a Southland country road on Tuesday.

A stock bridge over the Oreti River is in such a bad way it's been closed - temporarily but maybe forever.

Locals who use the structure - gingerly - now have an extra 20 minutes added to some trips.

Until Tuesday, the bridge had side rails on both sides, about 3.5 metres apart.

Whatever went over it was wider, a good deal wider. And heavy. The rails are gone, wheel guards and timber decking are damaged.

Senior Constable Ray Boyle said the bridge, off State Highway 6, was significantly damaged with repairs estimated at more than $10,000.

Southland District Council says the 70-year-old timber structure might have to be closed altogether if the council can't get help from the NZ Transport Agency to fix it.

Or money from the person who drove the John Deere tractor which was thought to be towing large side disks.

- NZPA