Historic bridge to be inspected

The historic Edith Cavell Bridge, near Queenstown, will be subject to an inspection after some deterioration in the concrete beneath the bridge was identified last week,” QLDC corporate and regulatory general manager Roger Taylor said.

“Checks have indicated there is no concern about the integrity of the bridge but it appears some flaking of material has occurred underneath the structure and it is important to understand that better,” Mr Taylor said.

It was possible that a slow leak from a water main travelling beneath the bridge, repaired last winter, may have caused superficial stress to the concrete beneath the bridge.
“The spring thaw and wet weather may have also contributed to the deterioration of the concrete,” Mr Taylor said.

Whilst the ongoing operation of the bridge was not in question it was important to get a full understanding of the issue.

“The bridge itself is scheduled for a full structural assessment this year, which we will now bring forward to February, but at this stage we have no reason to be concerned given there are no indications of stress in any of the key sections of the bridge, namely the transoms, the main beams and the arch. The bridge remains sound,’ Mr Taylor said.

Scaffolding would be erected to allow engineers to conduct a close inspection beneath the bridge, however traffic flow was not expected to be greatly affected.
The only traffic beneath the bridge was commercial operator Shotover Jet.

“We have advised Shotover Jet of the situation,” Mr Taylor said.

As a precaution council engineers had agreed to erect a tarpaulin under the central span of the bridge as an interim measure. The intention was this would be done within the next 24-hours.

“We have liaised with the company and all parties are satisfied that the company can continue to maintain normal operations,” Mr Taylor said.

Once the council had a clearer understanding of the situation, repairs would need to be affected immediately.
“We will likely adopt a safety net scenario while this occurs to enable the continued safe passage of jet boats during the process,” Mr Taylor said.