Road cones stolen from Southland bridge at risk of collapse

The Channel Rd bridge at Tussock Creek isn't safe for vehicles are recent floods accelerated the deterioration of the structure. Photo / Southland District Council

Those responsible for stealing road cones from a bridge at risk of collapsing have put members of the public in grave danger, the Southland District Council says.

The safety signage was intended to steer motorists away from Channel Rd bridge at Tussock Creek, which was closed temporarily due to damage from flooding in the region earlier this month.

While a cone was spotted in a hedge, other signage was nowhere to be seen.

A council spokesman said staff were "disappointed", especially considering the markers were placed there for the public's safety.

"Early indications are that the extent of riverbed scour is leaving the bridge inadequately supported and with the river on the rise again there is a significantly increased risk to bridge users."

One cone could be seen protruding from a nearby hedge. Photo / Southland District Council

The temporary bridge and road closure had nothing to do with historical bridge capacity reductions or closures, and was entirely due to the recent severe weather event, the spokesman said.

"Removal of the signage and cones poses a huge danger to motorists, who could continue to try to use the bridge unaware of the risk they are putting themselves in."

Concrete blocks had been placed at the entrances to the bridge yesterday.

An update would be provided when the river level subsided enough for an assessment to be carried out and repairs to be organised.

The sign, warning motorists of the danger, was slung into long grass beside the river. Photo / Southland District Council

Police had been notified of the incident.

The council posted a warning about the removal of safety equipment on Facebook and people reacted with disgust.

"What stupid dumb numbnut does that?" posted one comment. "Whoever stole the stuff use the bridge and it ends up collapsing from under them. They'll think twice about stealing council's property, especially important users' information."

One said: "What fools to put someone's life in danger by stealing signs."

Another pointed out the bridge should have been fixed. "Disappointed that SDC has let the bridges in the district get to this stage in the first place. People pay there rates for services and obviously the money hasn't been spent it the right areas."

Bridge supports have been put under more pressure by recent floodwaters. Photo / Southland District Council

Meanwhile, more flooding in parts of Southland and Otago yesterday prompted calls for drivers to stay alert.

A notice issued by Clutha District Council warned of further rainfall and urged people to drive to the conditions.

MetService had reported about 45mm of rain over the past four days in Clutha.

A council spokeswoman said drivers were being asked to remain aware of the conditions and expect surface flooding.

In Kelso, West Otago, there were road closures at Greenvale and detour signs had been put in place.

Ardmore and Wooded Hill Rds were also closed and detours had been put in place at Black Gully West Rd.

Southland District Council also issued a notice about isolated surface flooding on roads.

Some speed restrictions and flooding signs were in place and drivers were being encouraged to take it easy.

However, in most places in Southland, the water was receding.

Though more rain was expected in the coming days.