New weight restrictions for bridge

A gross weight limit of 3500kg will be imposed on the Wakefield St bridge. Photo/File

Extensive new weight restrictions will soon mean no heavy traffic will be allowed to use the Wakefield St overbridge in Wanganui East.

The Wanganui District Council has proposed closing the bridge over the Wanganui-Marton rail line because of the $1.8 million cost to replace it, leaving it open only for pedestrians and cyclists.

However, that suggestion prompted an outcry in the suburb and just last week about 250 submissions opposed to any closure were presented to Mayor Annette Main.

Council senior roading engineer Rui Leitao said the bridge already has weight restrictions in place but these were going to change drastically.

"We're proposing to reduce the axle weight from 7000kg to 2500kg and introducing a gross weight of 3500kg," Mr Leitao said.

That means the bridge would definitely be closed to all heavy vehicles.

Signposts will indicate the new restrictions but it will be about a month before they go up.

"The weight limit has to go through a regulatory process," he said.

"The change must be gazetted and we must notify the public so we expect it will take about a month to install the signs," Mr Leitao said.

The maximum speed limit on the bridge will stay at 30km/h but council has already put up larger signs advising motorists of the speed restriction.

Later this month a traffic calming hump will be installed across Wakefield St near the Wanganui East Club.

If the bridge was closed, traffic would have to use Eastown Rd as a main access between the city and Okoia.

Mr Leitao said traffic counters will be installed at the bridge and in nearby streets to get a better gauge on traffic flows.