Westland District Mayor optimistic collapsed Waiho Bridge can be replaced in 'two weeks'

March 27, 2019

Mayor Bruce Smith is optimistic the Waiho Bridge, that collapsed will be fixed soon.

The Westland District Mayor says the recent wild weather has been "interesting" but is keen to get on with the clean up.

The Waiho Bridge near Franz Josef collapsed yesterday and Bruce Smith told TVNZ1's Breakfast, "I'd be very disappointed if it's not up and replaced in two weeks."

He says it's crucial the bridge - a vital piece of tourism infrastructure - is up and running again because there's no other way to cross the river.

"At the moment the people on the south side are commuting by helicopter.”

Mr Smith says today is all about "assessing where we go from here".

"The State of Emergency is likely to be lifted today or early tomorrow."

His advice to residents in the areas affected is, "Check your neighbour, check your gear, make sure that you haven’t got a creek that’s burst overnight and then get on with it.

Of the heavy rain Mr Smith says: "The reality is this is not uncommon to be this size...  ...Let’s get it tidied up and move on."

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