Maoribank suspension bridge collapses following erosion of the foundations of a tower at the southern end.

Details

DescriptionA greyscale image was printed in the 'Leader' on September 20, 1988.

One of the bridge towers had been repaired in 1987, and money had been set aside for further work, but this time one tower had collapsed completely; the load was too much for the other tower, and the bridge would probably have to be demolished. The collapse had occurred the day after the river reached its highest level since 1986.
The next issue reported that members of the public had tried to cross the bridge. The southern embankment was in a precarious state, with large concrete blocks on top of it. The south tower should be removed and the bank battered off to stabilize it, leaving the north tower and cables intact. The deck and steelwork would be removed and stored in case the bridge was rebuilt. The work would take around three weeks and cost around $20 000. Investigations into a footbridge between Norbert Street and California Drive should begin. Last edited by: Don McLeod