Rail bridge death 2

Yet another death on the Ngaruawahia rail bridge. Still the same responses from local politicians and KiwiRail management.

Why are so many of our political and business leaders apparently so bereft of imagination and insight?

The solution is obvious.

People have jumped from that bridge as long as it has been there. It has significance and meaning for those trying it.

As sensible local Ma ori, interviewed on the latest death, said: ‘‘People always will and no amount of fencing and barriers will prevent people getting on to the bridge to jump into the river.’’

So, for heaven’s sake, just build a footbridge either hung off the rail bridge or, better still, on the now unused concrete piles next to it.

It was gratifying to see the Rail Union advocating taking the same approach.

Several rail bridges in other towns in New Zealand have footbridges. Why has Ngaruawahia’s not got one?

The big mistake will be for the authorities, so risk averse, which is so stifling of youth, to attempt measures to five to 10 years, it strikes me that it is time to let someone else have a go at spending ratepayers’ money.

They can certainly do no worse. Maybe they can get some bang for the buck without requiring 16.5% rate increases to pay for the infrastructure ignored while other projects took precedence.

Dunstan Sheldon

Hamilton

prevent access to the bridge. That is not possible.

So, some pragmatism, courage and grasping the nettle from those who can do something to solve these ongoing needless deaths.

Russell O Armitage

Hamilton