Whanganui’s Ūpokongaro shared pathway fixed after February storm damage

Emmetts Civil Construction repaired the Ūpokongaro shared pathway on April 10. Photo / Whanganui District Council

Whanganui District Council contractors have repaired the Ūpokongaro shared pathway, which was damaged in February’s storm.

A section of the pathway was damaged by a tree during the storm that hit the Whanganui and Rangitīkei area on February 15-16.

Contractors removed the tree on March 10 and Emmetts Civil Construction workers repaired the shared pathway on April 10.

Council senior roading engineer Mark Allingham said the work was expected to cost about $25,000.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will cover 82% of the cost as emergency work, meaning it will cost the council $4500.

Allingham said repair work was “relatively straightforward” because engineers found no structural damage to the pathway after inspection.

“The timber to repair the handrail had to be ordered in as the size and treatment had to match the original design and this added around 10 days to the repair time,” he said.

The Ūpokongaro shared pathway repair is expected to cost about $25,000. Photo / Whanganui District Council

Whanganui Mayor Andrew Tripe said it was pleasing to see the pathway opened so quickly.

“It’s a well-used route for locals, including students travelling to school,” Tripe said.

“In my role as chair of the Mountains to Sea cycle trail, the pathway is obviously an important part of Whanganui’s tourism infrastructure.”

The council had inspected the surrounding area and no other trees needed to be removed, Allingham said.

“We’d like to thank Emmetts Civil Construction, along with NZTA and Higgins, for their support and co-ordination in getting the work done quickly.”

Fin Ocheduszko Brown is a multimedia journalist based in Whanganui.