Concern over temporary bridge

closed SH1, forcing traffic inland through St Arnaud and via Murchison and Lewis Pass. The bridges were added to provide a second lane to the one-lane bridges in the area.

Tasman district councillor Stuart Bryant said community councils at Lake Rotoiti and at Murchison had raised concerns about the bridges ‘‘right from the time they were put in’’.

Bryant said the main concern was that the Bailey bridges were a short-term solution, when a long-term one would be better. However, safety was also an issue.

‘‘Both those councils came and expressed concern about if they’re there long-term, there could be an accident,’’ Bryant said.

‘‘And obviously that has now happened, and that is unfortunate for the person and their family.’’

Bryant said the approach to the Bailey bridge on SH63 was confusing, as it was a ‘‘diversion’’ off the road.

‘‘The Bailey bridge is alongside the proper one-lane bridge, so it just becomes confusing. There have been stories of people driving down the wrong side,’’ he said.

A NZ Transport Agency spokesperson said the agency couldn’t comment on whether the bridge in any way contributed to the crash.

‘‘Any time there is a fatality, the police Serious Crash Unit investigates, and that will be part of their investigation.’’

The spokesperson said there were three Bailey bridges along the alternate route, designed to accommodate two-way traffic during the temporary traffic increase while SH1 was closed.

‘‘It is a temporary bridge, and it is well signposted as a 30kmh speed limit.’’