Lower Hooker bridge closed

Press, 25 May 1977, Page 3

Lower Hooker bridge closed

The Mount Cook National Park Board has closed the Lower Hooker swing bridge near Mount Cook Village. It is one of two historic footbridges over the Hooker River, and provides access for the tourists and climbers. The board has been forced to take this action in the interest of public safety. Reporst from the Ministry of Works and Development indicated that the bridge’s safety was suspect. A preliminary report late last year recommended temporary repair work, including a loading restriction of one person. In spite of the erection of signs at each end of the bridge, the restriction has been ignored.

[ An alternative route to the > Hooker Valley is available s via the Wakefield Track, although it is much longer, and :is not very suitable for • tourists. A second swing ; bridge also requires immed- . iate improvements, but its 1 condition is not as serious, > and it will be kept open. It is not known how long f the bridge will be closed, as - indications are that the cost 3 of repair will be as much as the cost of a new bridge. 3 The approximate cost is . $30,000, and a request for a » special grant will be made i to the National Parks Authj ority. If money is available, j it is hoped to commence rebuilding at the end of winter.