Footbridge replaces unsafe vehicle bridge

A newfootbridge over Andrew's Stream in the Orari Gorge was opened at the weekend, replacing the old and unsafe vehicle bridge built in the 1950s.

The $140,000 footbridge was replaced more than six months ago, but a formal opening had not been held.

A year ago, the Orari River Protection Group started lobbying for a replacement when they found out the Timaru District Council and Mackenzie District Council were considering removing the bridge, chairman Ad Sintenie said.

"That's when we realised, hey, we need to show that this bridge is of real value."

The district councils then agreed to put in a footbridge instead, to enable continued foot access further up the Orari Gorge.

Nix Buick, who built the bridge in the 1950s, said he was disappointed it had not been replaced by another vehicle bridge.

After building the bridge, he handed it over to the district councils with the assurance that the bridge would be maintained. This wasn't done and the bridge, which he saw as being a vital link and public right of way, fell into disrepair, Mr Sintenie said.

Timaru deputy mayor Michael Oliver said it was important to maintain a degree of public access across Andrew's Stream to the Upper Orari River for recreation.

The area was a popular spot with fishermen, kayakers, trampers, mountainbikers and swimmers, and maintaining access was important for the local community.

Mackenzie mayor John O'Neill said farmers had concerns about allowing unhindered vehicle access to private land.

- © Fairfax NZ News