'Soft and slumping' Ashburton bridge closed on SH1 after extreme wet weather
Flood-hit Ashburton Bridge on SH1 has now closed and there is currently no alternate route south with other road options also closed.
Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown said the water in the Ashburton River had got into the piles of the bridge, causing a subsidence in the piles.
“The bridge has dropped and you can visually see one section of the bridge is dropped about four to six inches."
Engineers would assess the bridge to see what was required to fix it.
The bridge closure had divided the town into town and cut off part of the South Island. Staff were working hard to open one route by Tuesday night to get south of Ashburton.
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What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.
How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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28.4% With a city-wide public fireworks display
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20.4% Small fireworks displays in each community
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7.7% Keep it as is
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32.7% We shouldn't celebrate it!
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10.5% Anything but fireworks
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0.4% Other - I'll share below