Te Matau a Pohe, Kotuitui Whitinga bridges to be tested using generators

Te Matau a Pohe and Kotuitui Whitinga will both be tested to make sure they will work during a power cut. Photo/Tania Whyte

Whangārei Hatea Loop users who enjoy a Sunday jaunt will have to make alternative plans for a detour this weekend.

Kōtuitui Whitinga, the footbridge on the Port Rd side of the popular Whangārei loop walkway, and Te Matau a Pohe will be going through emergency drills on Sunday, to make sure they perform well during power cuts, so will be closed to the public for a most of the day.

Testing will involve using a back-up generator to run the rams that raise Te Matau a Pohe's platform and to rotate the opening at Kōtuitui Whitinga. The drills will be carried out on Sunday from 8am to 4pm.

Whangārei District Council group manager infrastructure Simon Weston said Te Matau a Pohe bridge will be closed for all pedestrians and road traffic during this time.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused during these necessary test drills," Weston said.

Road traffic should use the Dent St, Hatea Drive, Riverside Drive intersection during the closure.

The Kōtuitui Whitinga section of the Hatea Loop walkway will also be closed, so walkers are being asked to make alternative plans during this period.

Signs will be put along the loop to warn people about the closure.

The bridge will be manned during these drills to allow boats to pass, but there may be a delay of up to an hour.

The council recommends that any skippers looking at coming through the bridges at that time, contact bridge control in advance of approaching the bridges.