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Consultation has concluded
We want to know what you think about our proposed option for the Wolffs Road Suspension Bridge in West Eyreton.
The Wolffs Road Suspension Bridge, located in West Eyreton, is currently in a state of disrepair and no longer safe for public use. Constructed circa 1948, the bridge provided pedestrian access across the Eyre River when the adjacent vehicle ford couldn’t be crossed.
The bridge, listed as a Category 2 Historic Place in 1994, is now unusable and poses a danger to the public - especially during flooding events on the Eyre River.
Image: Bridge condition 2021 - courtesy of Heritage NZ
Following a submission by the Cust and Districts Historical Records Society to the Long Term Plan, a site inspection and bridge refurbishment report were completed in 2021. This report led to the proposed option on which we are now seeking community feedback.
Proposed option: Disestablish the superstructure of Wolffs Road Suspension Bridge
The proposed option would involve removing the timber superstructure, approach ramps and suspension cables and clearing the vegetation that currently prevents access to the bridge. This would leave behind the substructure and cable anchors to be refurbished, therefore retaining part of the heritage fabric of the structure.
The remaining structure would then need regular condition assessments and safety provisions such as fencing would be required to prevent people climbing or vandalising the remaining structure. By disestablishing the suspension bridge, we will be removing the hazards to the public presented by the current condition of the structure while keeping the historic reference to the bridge.
This proposal was presented to the Oxford Ohoka Community Board who are now seeking the community's feedback.
The structure would become a heritage site for the district and information boards will be installed so that visitors can learn more about the history of the bridge.
The cost of disestablishing the superstructure was estimated in 2021 to cost approximately $195,000, with ongoing maintenance costs of $500-2000 per annum. These costs are likely to have increased in the current market.
It should be noted that there is currently no funding available for this project at present, funding would need to be sought through the Annual Plan or Council Long Term Plan process or via external funders.
Next Steps
Once feedback closes staff will prepare a report for the Oxford Ohoka Community Board. The Board will consider the community’s feedback and whether to make a submission to either the Annual or Long Term Plan for future funding consideration.
Tell us what you think by completing the short survey below before 5pm, Monday 17 April 2023.
We want to know what you think about our proposed option for the Wolffs Road Suspension Bridge in West Eyreton.
The Wolffs Road Suspension Bridge, located in West Eyreton, is currently in a state of disrepair and no longer safe for public use. Constructed circa 1948, the bridge provided pedestrian access across the Eyre River when the adjacent vehicle ford couldn’t be crossed.
The bridge, listed as a Category 2 Historic Place in 1994, is now unusable and poses a danger to the public - especially during flooding events on the Eyre River.
Image: Bridge condition 2021 - courtesy of Heritage NZ
Following a submission by the Cust and Districts Historical Records Society to the Long Term Plan, a site inspection and bridge refurbishment report were completed in 2021. This report led to the proposed option on which we are now seeking community feedback.
Proposed option: Disestablish the superstructure of Wolffs Road Suspension Bridge
The proposed option would involve removing the timber superstructure, approach ramps and suspension cables and clearing the vegetation that currently prevents access to the bridge. This would leave behind the substructure and cable anchors to be refurbished, therefore retaining part of the heritage fabric of the structure.
The remaining structure would then need regular condition assessments and safety provisions such as fencing would be required to prevent people climbing or vandalising the remaining structure. By disestablishing the suspension bridge, we will be removing the hazards to the public presented by the current condition of the structure while keeping the historic reference to the bridge.
This proposal was presented to the Oxford Ohoka Community Board who are now seeking the community's feedback.
The structure would become a heritage site for the district and information boards will be installed so that visitors can learn more about the history of the bridge.
The cost of disestablishing the superstructure was estimated in 2021 to cost approximately $195,000, with ongoing maintenance costs of $500-2000 per annum. These costs are likely to have increased in the current market.
It should be noted that there is currently no funding available for this project at present, funding would need to be sought through the Annual Plan or Council Long Term Plan process or via external funders.
Next Steps
Once feedback closes staff will prepare a report for the Oxford Ohoka Community Board. The Board will consider the community’s feedback and whether to make a submission to either the Annual or Long Term Plan for future funding consideration.
Tell us what you think by completing the short survey below before 5pm, Monday 17 April 2023.
Image: Bridge condition 2021 - courtesy of Heritage NZ
