A temporary replacement for a Danseys Pass bridge destroyed by floods is expected to be in place by the end of the month, meaning residents will no longer have to ford the Maerewhenua River.
Residents first found their access cut after the bridge was washed out on June 17, and were still partially cut off by high river levels a month later, However, Danseys Pass farmer Neville Hore said although the river was now passable by four-wheel-drive vehicle, he would still be happy to see the temporary bridge in place.
''We're getting there.
We start shearing on Thursday, so they [the shearers] will have to come through the river too, probably, but we need to have a bridge to get the wool out. The bridge will be there in time for that. So it's not the end of the world.''
Council roading manager Michael Voss said a temporary bailey bridge was being constructed and should be ready to use before the end of the month.
''During that time we are finishing off the design of its replacement. We plan to have that up by Christmas.''
Mr Voss said the cost of installing the hired bailey bridge and paying for the hire
until a permanent bridge was constructed before the end of December was estimated at $84,000.
The estimated cost of a new permanent single-lane bridge was $300,000, but there may be added costs for improvements to the abutments.
The total costs of the clean-up from the June floods had been estimated at about $1.6 million, including the cost of a new bridge.andrew.ashton@odt.co.nz
