New weight limit on bridge

"Save the bridge" campaigners have been busy rallying support before their submissions go before council. Photo/File

The Wakefield St overbridge has had further weight restrictions slapped on it.

The decision has been made by Wanganui District Council roading engineers, and the lower weight limit means trucks will not be able to use it.

The bridge has been in the spotlight ever since the council flagged a proposal to close the bridge to all but cycle and pedestrian traffic because it was in such a poor condition. It also argued that it could not afford to fund a $1.8 million replacement.

But that decision sparked a strong reaction from residents in the Wanganui East suburb and beyond.

There has been a series of public meetings condemning the proposal and an action group canvassed locals to get them to make submissions against closing the bridge.

Today at 10.30am some supporters of "Save the Wakefield St bridge" will be presenting a boxload of submissions to the district council.

The bridge already carries significant weight and speed restrictions, however the latest move does not affect cars or motorbikes.

A council spokesperson said the new restrictions would be signposted on each side of the bridge.

The council will also be installing a 10m-long speed hump in Wakefield St - between the bridge and the Wanganui East Club - to help slow traffic.

"We will also carry out a detailed review of the bridge structure to see if the original assumptions are still accurate," the spokesperson said.

The review will include another traffic count to see how many vehicles travel over the bridge each day.