PRESS RELEASE
19 August 2009

For immediate release

Rural Women New Zealand keeps a watchful eye on Upper Waitaki bridge replacement project

Although Transport Minister Steven Joyce has announced that construction of new bridges across the Upper Waitaki River could be under way in less than 18 months, members of Upper Waitaki Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) say they will not give up the fight for new bridges until a firm date for the bridge replacement project has been announced.
 
RWNZ National Councillor Jocelyn McIlraith, a member of Upper Waitaki Branch, says two bridges separated by a small island span the Upper Waitaki River to link Kurow and Hakataramea areas. The bridges also provide an important transport route between Otago and Canterbury.

Of particular concern to members is the 100-year-old wooden piled bridge which is often subject to safety checks followed by repair work that causes closure for periods of time throughout days and weeks.

"In a recent letter, we explained to the Minister how the state of the historic wooden bridge in particular is creating fear in our very large rural community," Mrs McIlraith says. "School buses travel across those bridges daily."

Members of Upper Waitaki RWNZ understand that some bus and transport companies will not allow their vehicles to use the bridges.

During recent heavy rainfalls, both bridges were closed at night because of safety concerns. This would have created problems for the ambulance if it had needed to go across to the Hakataramea area.  The fire engine was not permitted to cross. 

"How can the NZTA say the bridges are structurally sound when an ambulance is required to be guided across and a fire engine is excluded from crossing?" 

With the Minister stating that replacement of the bridges is still subject to funding, Upper Waitaki RWNZ members want a firm assurance of replacement rather than just a carrot being dangled in front of the community.
ends

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