5 hour closure for Dublin St bridge as weight signs put up

A route change for Tranzit Coachlines in Wanganui has forced a five-hour closure of the Dublin St Bridge tomorrow.

The bridge will be closed between 7am and noon to allow new axle weight restriction signage to be erected.

From tomorrow the restriction will limit axle weights to 3500kg and gross weight to 7000kg.

Damage to the road surface in the past has forced temporary closures for repairs. A 2001 study revealed the most likely cause was a flexing of the deck because of heavy vehicle use.

The initial recommendation to restrict axle weight was because a number of Tranzit Coachlines crossed the bridge daily to and from Wanganui East - a 4000kg axle weight was imposed.

However, Tranzit buses have since increased in size and weight and no longer use the Dublin St Bridge, which allowed for the reduction in axle weight limit to 3500kg.

Wanganui District Council infrastructure and property committee chairman, Councillor Ray Stevens, said lowering the weight restriction would be a positive move for ratepayers.

"Dublin St Bridge has historically required high levels of maintenance because of impact on the carriageway from heavier vehicles. The new weight limit will reduce maintenance levels over time and should prove a cost saving measure for ratepayers."