Earlier this month floodwater damaged Te Mapara cyclist and pedestrian bridge over the Waiaua river and it is closed for repair.
Te Mapara bridge is a key part of cyclist and pedestrian access between Motu Road and the Dunes Trail, and uses Jackson Road instead of State Highway 35.
Ōpōtiki District Council, Operations Manager, Parks, Reserves, and Harbour, Garry Page said the May floodwaters de-stabilised two of the bridge piles on the west-side, as a result the bridge deck on that side is slumping. Fortunately, the main span of the bridge remains solid.
“In its current state Te Mapara bridge is unsafe to use. Cyclists are advised to use State Highway 35 with care, to get to the northern end of Motu Road. Engineers have also assessed the bridge and provided advice on the best options for repair and future flood protection. Once we have a plan in place we will share that with our community,” Mr Page said.
