Council prohibits bridge jumping over debris concerns

Picture by Murray Robertson

Warning signs like this have gone up at the three city bridges that have traditionally been popular  jumping spots for the district’s youngsters. Jumping from the Railway Bridge, the William Pettie Bridge (Rutene Road) and the Gladstone Road Bridge has been banned by Gisborne District Council due to the debris still lurking in the water beneath at all three locations. Before Christmas harbourmaster Peter Buell said jumping from the city’s bridges was not safe. “There are hidden hazards under the water.” A specialist dive team will be here early next year to work on removing debris stuck in the mud below the three bridges.