Manawatu Gorge slip may have compromised bridge

Inspections of the Manawatu Gorge slip site late last week revealed a likelihood of "a significant collapse along one section of the bridge at the Woodville end", according to a report from Palmerston North State Highways Manager David McGonigal.

Sections of the four-span Woodville bridge, or the ground that supports those sections, have collapsed.

"As more and more of the road - and the bridges beneath - are exposed we are able to get that much closer to finding out exactly what's going on with the bridges," he said.

"Last week we predicted that we would be down to just 40,000 cubic metres of debris, and thanks to the continued sterling effort of the crews, we are.

"It seems ridiculous to refer to a number as big as 40,000 as 'just' but when you think how far we've come and how much material has been moved it seems like the end is finally in sight.

"In fact, at this same rate of approximately 3000 cubic metres every 24 hours, another couple of weeks should see the final truckloads of debris leaving the gorge."

He said bridge-building firm Morris and Bailey, consultants from Bloxam Burnett & Olliver and the New Zealand Transport Authority were inspecting the structural integrity of the road and bridges to establish "the quickest way to achieve a safe and usable road surface and get the road open".

Existing crews are working "24/7 to great effect" and extra contractors were being brought in for the final push to clear debris.

"The time line to opening from here will depend very much on the outcome of [today]'s assessment," he said.

"Like you, we can't wait to get this road opened safely."

The slip occurred last August.