People removing barriers on the Benmore bridge over the Oreti River near Dipton and driving over it are risking their lives, Southland District Council engineering manager Peter Thompson says.
The bridge was closed during the floods in late April-early May and has remained closed because further inspection of its piles is required,Mr Thompson said he appreciated the 25km detour caused by the bridge closure was frustrating and while the bridge might look all right, "it's simply not worth the risk for the sake of saving a few kilometres".
The council had received reports of people moving the barriers to drive across, and of people vandalising the barriers and warning signs.
"People are also committing an offence and will be prosecuted by police if [they] are caught removing barriers or signs."
