Editorial: Bridge repair progress no express train

DISREPAIR: Residents are concerned about broken handrails on the footbridge section of the Aramoho Rail Bridge.

It is of concern that the Aramoho Rail Bridge has once again drawn complaints for its apparent state of disrepair.

Last year Ross Fallon raised the concerns of a number of bridge users about its unsightliness as well as its safety.

This led to a meeting involving KiwiRail, the council and interested parties about what could be done.

Improvements, such as a colourful mural on the Whanganui East abutments, were put on hold as KiwiRail claimed it had higher priority projects.

But minor repairs to the pedestrian walkway were to be carried out by council. More extensive repairs would follow if council secured funding.

Within weeks of the holes in the surface being patched did they open up again, exposing the unnerving view of the river below. It was in one of these earlier holes that Ross Fallon's dog injured its paw.

In parts the fence wire has sagged badly and a handrail, broken some months ago by a car thief, has remained hanging. Crash barriers remain at the site, presumably not free of charge.

The bridge is used daily by many walkers, joggers and cyclists. It would be a travesty if Health & Safety got wind of the problems that still exist and were forced to close it. Hopefully it won't come to that.

Whoever pays - council, KiwiRail or a benevolent funder - maintenance and safety must be kept up to date, starting - and not stopping with - this week's promised repairs.

As for further improvements - a lick of paint would not go amiss either.