Work has been approved to repair the Waipoua River swingbridge, in Masterton, so it can be used by mobility scooters once again. PHOTO/FILE
Work will begin to secure a Masterton river crossing so it is ready for use by mobility scooters next summer.
The swingbridge across the Waipoua River near Queen Elizabeth Park was first erected in 1939.
It was closed to all traffic in February after reports from users.
Inspections were carried out after problems were reported with the timber decking lifting.
Emergency repairs were made to allow cyclists and pedestrians to use it.
The bridge has not been open to mobility scooter users since.
The council discussed options on the work in an offline part of last Friday’s council meeting.
The use of reinforced plastic should ensure the deck will remain maintenance-free for the next 40 years, Mayor Lyn Patterson said.
“We want the swingbridge to continue to be accessible to all users, and this option will mean it has a long life ahead of it,’ she said.
The work, which will be put out to tender, is likely to take about two months to complete, and could start by August.
Surely there’s a solution that doesn’t involve plastic! The structure has functioned for some 80 years without it. Let’s not go down that destructive path!