WCB angry at bridge repair start delays

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 666, 10 December 1996, Page 5

WCB angry at bridge repair start delays

Urgency is essential on the work to replace the Cornelius bridge, if an accident is to be avoided, the Waimarino Community Board reiterated at their meeting last Thursday. The board moved to reaffirm its recommendation to the council to proceed with the bridge replacement as soon as possible, as a separate process to the closing of the paper road on which it stands. Earlier, the council resolved to hold the physical work until it was certain that closing the road could be done. Part of the agreement with the Cornelius family was that the bridge would be replaced on the condition that the road be closed to the public and the future responsibility for the bridge be handed to the family. Board member Gary Rawnsley said it would be a minimum of three years before the road was closed. "Does the Cornelius family have to fall through the bridge before something is

done?" said Mr Rawnsley. "I feel this item has been manipulated by Cliff Houston (council CEO) and I'm concerned that our recommendations have been altered." Board member Raymond Berry suggested the council rebuild the bridge Off the legal road line if it is concerned about future responsibility for it. Wallis Bridge Replacement of the Karioi Domain Road Bridge (Wallis Bridge) should be completed by April next year, after the tender is let in February , deputy chief executi ve Chris Ryan estimated. Mr Ryan was asked by Waimarino Community Board members at their December meeting when the bridge would be replaced. Board member Bob Peck expressed concern that the officer's report was negative in the way it presented the points regarding the Wallis family's contribution.