Fifty-metre section of bridge found lodged downstream on Mataura River

A view of the collapsed bridge. Photo / Gore District Council

A section of the Pyramid Bridge which collapsed in the wake of severe weather conditions has been found about 50-60m downstream.

A 50m section broke away during ex-cyclone Fehi and travelled downstream on Southland's Mataura River.

A helicopter was sent out to find the missing piece and spotted it wedged 50-60m away.

The bridge, on the Riverside Pyramid Rd, collapsed after a build-up of debris caused by the high water flow during the storm.

The detour is in place via Pyramid-Waiparu Rd, Waipounamu Bridge Rd and the Riversdale-Waikaia Rd.

A Gore District Council spokesperson said the main pipe for the Otama rural water supply was severed in the collapse because it had been attached to the bridge.

"There are 253 connections to the scheme for stock and household water.

"We are looking at bringing in a tanker to provide clean drinking water and options to restore supply."

A bridge has collapsed on the Mataura River near Riversdale. Photo / Gore District Council

It was estimated it could take a week to restore the water supply. Coupled with the fact that at 5pm today all the reservoirs were empty, the council had advised farmers to conserve water immediately.

A view of the collapsed bridge. Photo / Gore District Council

A water tanker would be stationed at the Otama hall from 11am tomorrow to supply drinking water.

The Council would also ensure there was water for the two schools on the scheme – Otama and Knapdale schools.