Graham’s Creek Bridge Boarded Up

A dangerous pedestrian bridge crossing Graham’s Creek in Tairua will be boarded up by the Thames-Coromandel District Council to prevent use by the public.

The bridge has been deemed to be dangerous following a fire over the weekend that appears to have been deliberately lit.

TCDC Group Manager Environmental Services Sam Napia said the developer who is responsible for the construction of the bridge failed to obtain the necessary inspections that would enable the issuing of a Code Compliance Certificate prior to public use.

“It does not appear to us that the developer has taken seriously the requirement to ensure that the bridge is not used by the public, even after the fire has unquestionably rendered the bridge dangerous. The council must now act in the best interest of the public. ”

The council is commissioning an inspection and report by a suitably qualified engineer. “That report will not be received until the New Year, at which time we will review its recommendations and consider our next actions.”

“In the meantime, we are not prepared to sit on our hands and we are acting to ensure public safety.”