Repaired bridges reopen
The renowned Makarora and Blue Pools bridges near Wānaka will reopen today, in time for King's Birthday weekend, after comprehensive upgrades.
A small group of Makarora residents and conservation groups met to admire the bridges and upgraded Blue Pools Track walkway on Thursday.
The track is located 70km north of Wānaka.
Department of Conservation operations manager Charlie Sklenar said the occasion warranted a royal celebration after a two-year slog involving engineers, contractors, specialists, geotechnical consultations, unexpected complexities and a lot of hard work.
The Blue Pools bridge is set to reopen today. PHOTOS: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION
"In May 2023, engineering reports on Blue Pools and Rob Roy bridges showed they needed to be upgraded for public safety, while Makarora's swing bridge had to be completely replaced.
"We closed all three to get the work done," he said.
"In peak summer season, 550 people a day cross the Blue Pools and Makarora bridges.
"At times, 75 people would cross the bridges each hour, and visitors were regularly exceeding the signposted 'safe number of people to cross' advice.
"We needed to ensure these structures were safe for the public."
The Blue Pools, located near Wānaka.
Upgrades included a new longer Makarora swing bridge with higher capacity, a 160m-long elevated boardwalk, and extensive upgrades to the Blue Pools bridge improving experience for visitors.
"We are so fortunate to have the stunning clear waters, native forest and dramatic alpine scenery of Tititea Mount Aspiring National Park on our doorstep."
"These upgrades mean people can safely experience this special place for years to come and do so in a way that protects nature," Mr Sklenar said.
"It's an investment that preserves our natural taonga species and supports our local communities who rely on outdoor recreation and tourism."
The Blue Pools and Makarora bridges provide high-water access to the Young Valley and Gillespie Pass Circuit. — APL
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Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
Repaired Blue Pools bridge reopens
The renowned Makarora and Blue Pools bridges near Wānaka will reopen today, in time for King's Birthday weekend, after comprehensive upgrades. A small group of Makarora residents and conservation groups met to admire the bridges and upgraded Blue Pools Track walkway on Thursday. The track is located 70km north of Wānaka. Department of Conservation operations manager Charlie Sklenar said the occasion warranted a royal celebration after a two-year slog involving engineers, contractors, specialists, geotechnical consultations, unexpected complexities and a lot of hard work. The Blue Pools bridge is set to reopen today. PHOTOS: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION "In May 2023, engineering reports on Blue Pools and Rob Roy bridges showed they needed to be upgraded for public safety, while Makarora's swing bridge had to be completely replaced. "We closed all three to get the work done," he said. "In peak summer season, 550 people a day cross the Blue Pools and Makarora bridges. "At times, 75 people would cross the bridges each hour, and visitors were regularly exceeding the signposted 'safe number of people to cross' advice. "We needed to ensure these structures were safe for the public." The Blue Pools, located near Wānaka. Upgrades included a new longer Makarora swing bridge with higher capacity, a 160m-long elevated boardwalk, and extensive upgrades to the Blue Pools bridge improving experience for visitors. "We are so fortunate to have the stunning clear waters, native forest and dramatic alpine scenery of Tititea Mount Aspiring National Park on our doorstep." "These upgrades mean people can safely experience this special place for years to come and do so in a way that protects nature," Mr Sklenar said. "It's an investment that preserves our natural taonga species and supports our local communities who rely on outdoor recreation and tourism." The Blue Pools and Makarora bridges provide high-water access to the Young Valley and Gillespie Pass Circuit. — APL
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
Repaired bridges reopen
The renowned Makarora and Blue Pools bridges near Wānaka will reopen today, in time for King's Birthday weekend, after comprehensive upgrades. A small group of Makarora residents and conservation groups met to admire the bridges and upgraded Blue Pools Track walkway on Thursday. The track is located 70km north of Wānaka. Department of Conservation operations manager Charlie Sklenar said the occasion warranted a royal celebration after a two-year slog involving engineers, contractors, specialists, geotechnical consultations, unexpected complexities and a lot of hard work. The Blue Pools bridge is set to reopen today. PHOTOS: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION "In May 2023, engineering reports on Blue Pools and Rob Roy bridges showed they needed to be upgraded for public safety, while Makarora's swing bridge had to be completely replaced. "We closed all three to get the work done," he said. "In peak summer season, 550 people a day cross the Blue Pools and Makarora bridges. "At times, 75 people would cross the bridges each hour, and visitors were regularly exceeding the signposted 'safe number of people to cross' advice. "We needed to ensure these structures were safe for the public." The Blue Pools, located near Wānaka. Upgrades included a new longer Makarora swing bridge with higher capacity, a 160m-long elevated boardwalk, and extensive upgrades to the Blue Pools bridge improving experience for visitors. "We are so fortunate to have the stunning clear waters, native forest and dramatic alpine scenery of Tititea Mount Aspiring National Park on our doorstep." "These upgrades mean people can safely experience this special place for years to come and do so in a way that protects nature," Mr Sklenar said. "It's an investment that preserves our natural taonga species and supports our local communities who rely on outdoor recreation and tourism." The Blue Pools and Makarora bridges provide high-water access to the Young Valley and Gillespie Pass Circuit. — APL
RNZ News
3 days ago
- RNZ News
Conservation Department re-opens Blue Pools Track after two years of repairs
Blue Pools Track has been closed since May 2023. Photo: Unsplash / Michael Amadeus The Department of Conservation is re-opening the popular Blue Pools Track north of Wānaka this weekend, after two years of repair work. Walkers can expect to see an upgraded Blue Pools bridge, a completely new Makarora swing bridge and a new, raised boardwalk. DOC closed the bridges in May 2023, when engineering reports signalled they needed safety upgrades. Previously, DOC operations manager Charlie Sklenar said they were being used by as many as 550 people a day in peak summer. "At times, 75 people would cross the bridges each hour and visitors were regularly exceeding the signposted 'safe number of people to cross' advice," she said. "We needed to ensure these structures were safe for the public. "We made it into a major upgrade and we've really done some significant improvements." Sklenar said the work had been a two-year slog, involving DOC engineers, contractors, specialists, geotechnical consultations and some "unexpected complexities". "For those that know Makarora, [it's] very close to the West Coast, very wet conditions, very challenging. Because these are superstrength bridges, there's some really, really big anchors that needed to go into the ground, so dealing with those conditions has been challenging." Sklenar said the community was buzzing about the opening. "I think it's going to be pretty popular over the coming weeks."
