$180k temporary NZ causeway washes away, 25 days after it opens

The causeway on Te Kowhai Rd in Whatatutu opened in early May, changing the previous Mangatai Access Bridge.

But the causeway solely lasted for 25 days – it washed away when heavy rain hit final week.

It has left resident Mary Clarke ​trapped on her property on Te Kowhai Road.

The former causeway was on one facet of the property, however a big chunk of the street on the opposite facet additionally washed away through the cyclone.

The solely entry to the surface world was alongside a steep observe in her property to Te Hau Roadd utilizing all-terrain autos.

However, Clarke stated autos of the district council contractors who got here to restore Te Kowhai “wrecked” the observe, making it inaccessible.

“I’ve got two really good horses – I went up (the track) on both of them, and they struggled,” she stated.

“It is dangerous up there.

“I used to have the ability to cross the river on my horse however due to what has been completed to the perimeters of the river within the essence of placing the causeway in, it’s too harmful now, it is too deep. There’s no exit for me on the opposite facet.”

Gisborne District Council community lifelines director David Wilson​ said the causeway would be reconstructed once the river water level allowed, including installing containers as large culverts to increase the waterway area and putting rock bags on the leading face to slow the scour.

“We knew this methodology of entry was high-risk,” he said.

“However, it was fast to assemble with the time and supplies we had out there whereas the brand new bridge to Te Kowhai Road is within the planning phases and nonetheless about two to a few years away.”

Wilson also said the council and Clarke had an agreement so part of her land could be used for Te Kowhai Rd after it was moved back from the Waipaoa River, and its contractors had been on the private land as part of emergency works, but council officials were unaware the track was damaged.

“When the job has been completed all of the situations as per the settlement shall be fulfilled,” he said.

“Replacing this lacking a part of the street is essential to connecting this group.”