Old Waimakariri Bridge closed due to high river levels

24 September 2008

The Christchurch City Council has closed the Old Waimakariri Bridge, on Main North Road, due to concerns over the rising river level.

Heavy rain in the headwater catchment has led to very high river flows in the area. At around midday the Waimakariri River had reached the three metre mark at the Old Waimakariri Bridge.

Peter McDonald, the Council’s Pavement Maintenance Team Leader says the bridge has been closed as a precautionary measure due to concern that debris build ups against the bridge piers could cause damage to the structure.

Mr McDonald says the bridge is likely to be closed for the rest of the day, and motorists will need to use the alternative route via the Waimakariri Bridge on the Christchurch Northern Motorway.

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