Rail bridge badly damaged in flood
The rail bridge over the Rangitata River in South Canterbury has been closed after high floodwaters washed away a pier under the bridge yesterday morning.
A KiwiRail spokesperson said all train movements in the area had been stopped after one of 34 piers in the 610-metre-long bridge was washed away.
“The missing pier has resulted in the steel bridge spans sagging,” the spokesperson said.
“KiwiRail engineers are currently putting together a repair plan, but at this stage we have been unable to undertake a close physical inspection of the damage due to the high water levels.”
The spokesperson said the rail bridge was an important part of the rail connection linking Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill.
About eight freight trains travel across the bridge every weekday, and about five each weekend.
“We are focused on keeping freight moving for our customers and are discussing the situation with them.
“Thanks to the recent opening of operations at the new Fairfield Freight Hub, near Ashburton, we will be able to move rail freight by road between Ashburton and our Timaru rail terminal [approximately 50km] while the bridge is closed.
“This will keep the Invercargill-Dunedin-Christchurch rail freight connection running.”
The river’s flow reached a rate of 1067.708m³ per second at 2am yesterday. By 3pm, the river flow had dropped to 538.239m³ per second.
The KiwiRail spokesperson said they could not comment at this stage on how long it would take to repair the bridge or whether further damage was likely.
An NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi spokesperson said the agency was in touch with KiwiRail, which was monitoring the structure on site. KiwiRail would advise NZTA if there were any further concerns.
Environment Canterbury (ECan) warned landowners along the Rangitata River to monitor the river yesterday, as high flows were expected.
“The Rakaia River and Rangitata River both also peaked in the upper reaches early this morning, with the Rakaia rising to around 2100m³/s and the Rangitata to around 1100m³/s. These flows will pass through the lower reaches today. Overflows from either river are unlikely, but landowners adjacent to these rivers should monitor their own situation.”
Timaru District Council group communications manager Stephen Doran said there was no immediate action to be taken by residents. However, it was important people had a plan and were prepared to act if needed, he said.
On Thursday, Timaru received 12.66mm of rain and Aoraki/Mt Cook rece 76.6mm.
“This will keep the Invercargill-DunedinChristchurch rail freight connection running.” KiwiRail spokesperson