Bridge set to reopen

The new swing bridge across the Matukituki River to the Roy Roy Glacier in the Mt Aspiring National Park is due to be load-tested this week in readiness for opening to the public.

The bridge is being built by Wanaka Department of Conservation staff and an earthmoving contractor to replace the previous 35-year-old bridge. A Doc spokeswoman said yesterday the $50,000 bridge would be tested to about seven tonnes using bladders filled with water.

The bridge was initially expected to be ready for use by April 23. However, it is now ''provisionally'' set to reopen on Saturday. The bridge is pictured minus its decking surrounding the old bridge, which has yet to be disassembled.