Bridges still dividing district

The volume and weights of transporters coming to and from the Northland Field Days has again led to Kaipara residents and businesses becoming fed up with what they say is the Government's patchwork efforts to repair Matakohe’s Hardies and Anderson's bridges, which are being worked on yet again.

Local campaigner Sue Reyland said it's sometimes months between repair work done with sub-standard materials.

"They're getting back down to the bare boards again – it's starting to look ridiculous. I can see why someone's done this," she said in response to what is believed to be a local resident making a point by nailing a dead possum to one of the bridge signposts.

In 2012, 40 protesters, including trucking company representatives, walked the bridge to show their frustration. Last year Northland MP Mike Sabin joined the movement to have problems rectified, and locals hope his successor will keep the issue in the spotlight.

“One wonders why, given modern technology, even a pre-built, pre-stressed concrete structure could not be placed to give comfortable two-way traffic access,” says Ms Reyland.

“It is almost inconceivable that all traffic heading to and from the western parts of the Kaipara have no option but to travel the route and that state Highway 12, the main route to Ruawai, Dargaville and the western Kaipara should still be restricted by dangerous one-way bridges in 2015.”

An estimated $500,000 has been spent on bridge repairs over the past 16 years which have really had only a ‘band-aid’ effect with repairs a constant factor. And while the NZ Transport Agency says the Hardies Bridge is scheduled for resealing this year there is still no movement on a permanent solution to the problem.

Submissions asking for a new road alignment of both bridges have been presented for the draft Regional Land Transport Plan 2015-2018. A total of 127 submissions were received and 18 people spoke in support of their submissions on March 4 and 5. No conclusions have yet been reached.