Salisbury Wharf will be closed for up to 10 weeks while the council carries out structural repairs. Photo / Zoe Blake
Salisbury Wharf will be closed for up to 10 weeks while the council carries out structural repairs. Photo / Zoe Blake
A wharf in Mount Maunganui has been temporarily closed after structural issues requiring major repair work were identified.
According to the Tauranga City Council website, Salisbury Wharf would be closed for up to 10 weeks while the council carries out structural repairs following an inspection that flagged safety concerns.
The works involve the removal and replacement of key structural elements, including piles, joists and bearers that were found in poor condition during assessments.
Repairs began on Monday and were expected to take about 8–10 weeks to complete, the council’s website said.
During this period, Salisbury Wharf would remain closed to ensure public safety while construction activity was carried out.
The council said parking spaces in the nearby car park would also be temporarily fenced off during concrete pours, with about two to three pours expected, each lasting up to three hours.
Visitors and marine users were advised to expect occasional noise and vibration throughout the project.
To minimise disruption, alternative access points have been provided, including Beacon Wharf pontoon at 50 Dive Crescent, The Strand middle pontoon, and The Strand south pontoon, the council said.
Salisbury Wharf will be closed for up to 10 weeks while the Tauranga City Council carries out structural repairs. Photo / Zoe Blake
The Pilot Bay boat ramp at the base of Mauao remains closed indefinitely as geotechnical engineers continue to assess ongoing slip hazards in the area.
Tauranga City Council head of spaces and places Alison Law said the condition assessment identified works required to structural components on the southern side of the wharf.
“This includes repairs and renewals, as well as the replacement of four fender piles on this side of the structure.
“In addition, the handrails along the wharf are to be renewed.”
Law said the contractor advised works were expected to be completed within the planned 10 week timeframe.
“However, the timeframe remains subject to weather conditions and the possibility of additional works being identified during construction.”
She said should either of those factors arise, there may be an extension in the timeline.
“The works have been deliberately scheduled outside the peak tourist season to minimise potential impacts on local businesses, tourism, and marine users.”
Kaitlyn Morrell is a journalist for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has lived in the region for several years and studied journalism at Massey University.
