Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Skippers invited to test height of Whangarei’s new bridge
Media Release
4 April 2013
Skippers invited to test height of Whangarei’s new bridge
Skippers are invited to familiarise themselves with the Lower Hatea River Crossing on Sunday 7 April, by taking part in a trial to see whether or not the bridge needs to lift for their boats.
“The bridge has a clearance of 7.5m at high tide. We will be setting up a laser level with a warning buzzer at a height of 6.5m above high tide to provide a safe level of freeboard between the vessel and the bridge,” said WDC Group Manager Infrastructure and Services, Simon Weston.
“As boats go
through the bridge skippers will be advised if the buzzer
sounds. As well as being a useful exercise in terms of
giving us an idea of how often the bridge will need to be
lifted, it’s a great way for people to get an up-close
look, familiarise themselves with the situation, and have a
bit of fun,” Mr Weston said.
The Whangarei Cruising
Club is running the event with support from Council, and
anyone interested in taking part is invited to contact the
Club (details below).
“We are pleased to be able to host
this because so many of our members and other boat users
will use the channel through the bridge once it is
operational.
There has been lots of interest and this is
a great chance for everyone to get together, have a go, talk
about it, plan for the future and give feedback to
Council,”
said Cruising Club Commodore, Noel
Douglas.
The event will be held on Sunday 7 April from about 11am (low tide) to 5:30pm (high tide). This will enable boats to go through the bridge during both low, mid and high tides. The assembly point for the trial will be at the Whangarei Cruising Club Marina at Kissing Point.
Representatives from the Whangarei Cruising Club will be on-site to direct boats in an orderly fashion through the bridge. The operating radio channel for the trial will be Channel 09 and skippers are asked to call Bridge Control for instructions.
The Whangarei Cruising Clubrooms on
Riverside Drive will be open for hospitality during the
event.
Those interested in participating in this trial
should reply by Wednesday 3 April to Merv Fair of the
Whangarei Cruising Club on 09 438 9043 or email:
wccinc@xtra.co.nz.
ENDS
Gordon Campbell: On What’s Wrong With The Treaty Principles Bill
NZ National Party: National Acknowledges The Passing Of Hon Nikki Kaye
Mana Mokopuna: Children And Young People Share Vital Insights On Healing From Family Violence And Sexual Violence In New Report
NZ Government: PM Marks One Year In Government
Helen Clark Foundation: Helen Clark Foundation Calls For Political Action To Reduce The Prevalence Of Junk Food And Improve Health Outcomes
Justice Committee: Further Decisions About Submissions Process For The Principles Of The Treaty Of Waitangi Bill
Infrastructure New Zealand: Single Agency Needed To Coordinate Climate Adaptation And Recovery
