Temporary vehicle access was successfully restored on Tyntesfield Road in the Waihopai Valley on Friday evening, allowing access by 4WD for an estimated 40 residents, from this morning. The work was initiated on Thursday morning after flooding washed away the approach to the bridge following heavy rain and flooding.
Marlborough Roads Manager Wayne Oldfield said a temporary ford had been constructed upstream of the bridge, providing safe access for residents while longer term road recovery work continues.
“This is the first of a staged series of works to reinstate full access for Tyntesfield Road residents. The next stage - which we hope to complete in about a week - involves rebuilding the approach to the bridge.”
“Traffic management measures are in place to ensure the ford causeway can be used safely by residents.”
Mayor Nadine Taylor praised the efforts of everyone involved in reopening access for the local community.
“This is an outstanding effort from Marlborough Roads, Wairau Gateway and Edridge Contracting. Our community is lucky to have such a dedicated group of people working hard, often in difficult conditions, to keep residents connected.
“On behalf of the community I would like to sincerely thank everyone involved for their commitment and professionalism in restoring access so quickly.”
Mayor Taylor also noted the hard work of the Marlborough Emergency Management team in supporting the Tyntesfield Road community. “I’d also like to thank Skyworks for their innovative supply drop by drone on Friday.”
Marlborough Emergency Management is continuing to provide support where its needed, including to the upper Awatere Valley Road community and to the Kaikōura District. Direct assistance had also been provided to the residents of the Blenheim Bridges Holiday Park who were displaced by flooding.
Road reinstement works will continue, with crews bringing in rock and beginning construction of a temporary road leading to the bridge.
“This next stage will further improve access and resilience, while permanent repairs are planned,” Wayne Oldfield said.
Residents are asked to take care when using the temporary route and to follow all signage and traffic management instructions. A number of roads remain closed or have restricted access in Marlborough.
Please follow Council’s Facebook page, website and Antenno for updates. The next roading update will be published on Monday.
