The viaduct, located under the main south railway line, has a clearance height of 2.39m. Photo: Jonathan Leask
Repairs will finally begin on the Tiwald Viaduct in Canterbury next week, almost four months after it was closed due to damage.
The country's most hit rail bridge was damaged after being struck by an excavator being towed on a trailer on June 30.
It was temporarily closed to traffic on July 29.
KiwiRail said contractors will begin the repairs to the damaged wooden impact beams from December 1-19.
The viaduct, located under the main south railway line, has a clearance height of 2.39m.
It gets hit at least 13 times a year, according to KiwiRail.
The closure, requested by KiwiRail, was to avoid further damage to the structure until it is repaired.
An initial six-to-eight month timeframe was given to replace the wooden impact beam with a steel beam.
From Monday there will be no access for pedestrians or cyclists while the repairs are carried out.
The work zone will be fenced off on either side of the viaduct to prevent public access.
Contractors will be onsite Monday to Friday between 6am and 6pm until December 19.
With the full road closure of the underpass for the duration of the work, the alternative access across the rail corridor is via level crossings at Compton Street or Lagmhor Road.
KiwiRail is reminding residents not to take shortcuts across the rail corridor and cross only at official level crossings, as trains and other rail vehicles are still expected.
"Our staff are mindful of our rail neighbours and will work hard to minimise any disturbance to get this essential work done as quickly and quietly as possible.
"However, despite their best efforts, this work may cause some disturbance from machinery and vehicles moving on site.
"We apologise for any inconvenience in relation to the traffic detour and our work."
The temporary closure caused divisive discussion in the community on whether vehicle access should be restored at all.
Many agree that the cheapest solution to stop it from being hit is to close it to traffic permanently.
Tinwald resident Adam Kibblewhite penned an open letter to the council and Kiwirail in August, saying there was a "growing concern in the community that this temporary closure could become permanent".
He said closing the viaduct after money had recently been spent upgrading it "would be foolish".
Kibblewhite was against a permanent closure, but said he is open to the viaduct becoming left out only.
The council's intention is to reopen the road when the work is complete.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
