KiwiRail says unaware of bridge issue

Photo/File

KiwiRail says any replacement overbridge across the Wanganui-Marton rail line in Wanganui East will need to meet a number of requirements.

The state-owned enterprise is responsible for the country's rail network and, while it was not aware of suggestions to close the Wakefield St overbridge, said it would be watching developments.

The ageing wooden bridge, built in the early 1950s using secondhand timber, already has speed and weight restrictions applied to it - but now rotting timberwork means it has to either be replaced or be closed.

The closure option has been included in the Wanganui District Council's draft Annual Plan with council saying it cannot afford the $1.8 million estimated to replace the bridge,

That idea has been met with public outcry, especially from Wanganui East residents directly affected by closing the bridge.

Council engineers have suggested diverting traffic away from the bridge along Eastown Rd, into Holyoake St, then along Tinirau St to join Duncan St.

However, opponents say that will add to travel distances as well as directing traffic over a rail crossing, past a primary school then through a shopping centre and creating more traffic congestion at the Anzac Pde roundabout.

"We are unaware of replacement plans or particular issues with the bridge," a KiwiRail spokesperson said.

She said KiwiRail carried out regular visual inspections of overbridges and Wakefield St was one of those it checked.

"It's done to ensure no immediate danger to our own staff and rail services. Up until now the council has been responsive when advised of any safety requirements such as handrails or netting on that bridge.

"The last inspection we have on record identified an issue with cross-bracing and the council's engineering consultant was advised," she said.

The bridge was originally owned by the rail services, but some years ago ownership transferred to the district council.

"Given it's a council-owned asset, wider inspection and maintenance responsibilities lie with them, along with decisions about the appropriate level of service required," the spokesperson said.

But she said KiwiRail would stipulate that any replacement bridge would have to meet its requirements around clearances and impact resistance.

She said KiwiRail had no specific development plans for the Eastown railyards just west of the overbridge, "but remained open to discussions with both potential customers and the council" about future uses for the area.