Three times per year: Yeah right

Jonathan Leask

KiwiRail says the Tinwald viaduct has been hit three times in each of the last three years but locals tell a different story, suggesting it’s more like three times a week and plenty more close calls.

And that, according to KiwiRail, makes it the second most hit rail bridge in the country.

But community feedback suggests the structure is hit much more often than is being reported to KiwiRail.

Tinwald resident Kevin Donaldson said he was aware of at least four bridge strikes in November and one near miss.

“That’s four hits in one month and that’s only the ones I know about,” Donaldson said.

He has lived in Tinwald for 40 years and said it’s a far-too regular occurrence.

“I wouldn’t be exaggerating in saying it’s hit, or there is a near miss, at least once a week.”

He’s seen campervans, horse floats, trailers carrying machinery, delivery vans, and vehicles with bikes on the roof all hitting the bridge.

And it’s not all tourists.

“There has been a lot of locals and long-term residents hit it over the years.”

The intersection is covered by three authorities, with State Highway 1 access and signage under Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, the bridge over the viaduct is KiwiRail, and the road