A pedestrian bridge that links Auckland's Viaduct to a strip of waterfront restaurants is broken and stuck in the up position. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
A broken pedestrian bridge across Auckland's Wynyard Quarter is set to reopen in December.
The Wynyard Crossing bridge, linking the city centre to businesses in the Wynyard Quarter, has been stuck upright since March.
Its closure has caused difficulties for businesses, with foot traffic re-directed via a 15-minute detour. A passenger ferry and pontoon bridge had been a temporary solution.
Eke Panuku, the Auckland council agency responsible for repairing the bridge, said the complexity of works meant it could not confirm an exact date for the bridge's re-opening, but it was expected to be in December.
"As the project team get further through the programme and gain more certainty around remaining tasks, they will be able to more accurately specify a completion date," a spokesperson for the agency said.
There had been significant works off-site to repair the structure, and re-installation of mechanical parts and engine rooms was the next step.
"The return of the physical structures, including the spans and engine rooms, will allow specialist technicians to begin the works to reanimate the bridge.
"So while it might look like it's back and should be open, there will be a lot going on behind the scenes for the recommissioning in December to ensure long-term durability and reliability."
