Whanganui District Council has people to stay away from the Ūpokongaro cycleway after it was damaged by a large tree during extreme weather on February 15. Photo / Fin Ocheduszko Brown
Whanganui District Council has people to stay away from the Ūpokongaro cycleway after it was damaged by a large tree during extreme weather on February 15. Photo / Fin Ocheduszko Brown
A tree that has been blocking the Ūpokongaro cycleway for more than three weeks after a storm brought it down has been removed.
The tree fell directly onto the cycleway during the storm that hit Whanganui and Rangitīkei area on February 15-16.
It damaged a large part of thecycleway’s fencing.
The Whanganui District Council had contractors remove the tree on Tuesday and will now assess the damage before the next steps are decided.
Council transportation manager Mark Allingham asked the community and potential cycleway users to “stay clear of the damaged shared pathway until repairs are completed”.
Council contractors removed the tree on March 10. Photo / Fin Ocheduszko Brown
The cycleway is frequently used by cyclists and Ūpokongaro School students.
Mountains to Sea Ngā Ara Tūhono Cycle Trail trail manager Lynley Twyman said they were working with the council team to get the “important link” back up and running as soon as possible.
“We are extremely grateful to the council team for acting so quickly to remove the fallen tree and reinstate this vital connection,” Twyman said.
“With more than 300 riders currently making their way south from Cape Rēinga as part of the 10th Anniversary Tour Aotearoa departure, restoring safe access is significant for both our community and the visitors who contribute to our local economy.
“We appreciate the swift response and the focus on safety.”
Ūpokongaro School principal Erin Browne estimated up to 30 students rely on the Ūpokongaro Bridge to get to and from school.
“It has cut off all of our children that walk over the bridge so we have provided a van for them down at the [Aramoho] Railway Bridge - that is the closest we can get,” she said.
Browne said the van would be in place for as long as required. A community member had donated money so the students could travel for free.
“Our community has really come together, and they always do - the Ūpokongaro rural community always comes together,” Browne said.
Fin Ocheduszko Brown is a multimedia journalist based in Whanganui.
