Cornelius Bridge work on hold

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 665, 3 December 1996, Page 7

Cornelius Bridge work on hold

Despite concerns that time will run out to complete work on the Cornelius Bridge in the Ruatiti Valley before next winter, the Ruapehu District Council resolved last Friday work should be held until the road closure is certain. Councillors heard that if the council made the $34,000 available for the replacement bridge and then the road stopping process failed, the council would then be responsible for the on-going maintenance of the bridge. The agreement with the landowner is that he takes over responsibility for it once it is replaced. The only way for the council to be relieved of the liability was to legally close the road, councillors heard. Mayor Weston Kirton had called for urgency on the physical works, gi ven that the state of the road would mean nothing could be done after the summer months. The road has not been maintained for "a very long time". "It is not normal practice to put a bridge on a road we don't maintain," said council chief executive officer Cliff Houston. "Council can't transfer responsibility for the bridge to a third party if the road is not closed." Wallis Bridge Meanwhile, work on the Karioi Domain Road bridge was approved, with funds to come from the Waimarino Ward rate. The Wallis family contribution of four steel beams, valued at $7000, was accepted, although Cr Stuart Shaw noted that the beams were in fact given to Mr Wallis by the Wanganui District Council. "Our staff got blood out of a stone there," said Mr Kirton. "The beams offer is better than their first offer which was zilch." Because there is no Transfund contribution available, the bridge will now cost Waimarino Ward ratepayers $15,000, while the landowner is not willing to make any fmancial contribution.