Bid to save historic suspension bridge

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Feedback is being sought on options to save an historic suspension bridge near Oxford.

The Waimakariri District Council is consulting on the repair of the Wolffs Road suspension bridge at West Eyreton, which has fallen into a state of disrepair and is no longer safe for public use.

The bridge was built around 1948 for pedestrian access across the Eyre River. It has a category 2 rating with Heritage New Zealand.

The Cust and Districts Historical Records Society made a submission to the council’s 2021-31 long-term plan, which led to a site inspection and a bridge refurbishment report being prepared.

The council’s preferred option was to remove the timber superstructure, approach ramps and suspension cables, and clear vegetation.

This would leave the heritage fabric of the bridge, including the substructure and cable anchors to be refurbished, a council spokesperson said.

The cost of disestablishing the superstructure, was estimated in 2021, to cost $195,000, with ongoing maintenance costs of up to $2000 a year.

Any funding for the project would need to be sought as part of next year’s 2024-34 long-term plan or from external funding sources.

Feedback closes on Monday, April 17, at letstalk.waimakariri.govt.nz/

A report will be presented to the Oxford-Ohoka Community Board to consider making a submission to the council.