Taramakau Railroad Bridge

[tahu]

hi,
just wanted to let you all know that since i happened to be passing through greymouth for only my 2nd time, i was determined to find a local counselor or MP and lodge a formal complaint about that state of the Taramakau Railroad Bridge on the south side of town.
My first experience across this bridge was in dec. in the rain, of course, on my brand new bike and there was no way i was going to risk dropping it because of a negligent council. The traffic could wait as i practically walked us both across. So glad that at the time i was not aware that the trains do in fact still use that bridge!!
on my return to greymouth last week, i went to the MP's the office and began my rant to find that the 3 others in the waiting room were there with the same complaint!
Have a look at the article about the cyclist. I just couldn't believe my eyes when i saw her and heard what had happened. i honestly started to cry just looking at her, considering her age, and considering that there is no way that bridge had gotten to it's sorry and dangerous state overnight. What the hell has land transport and rail been doing???
I couldn't believe it. Anyway i implored the woman at the counter to please start a petition or allow me to file a formal complaint or anything kind of action which may make enough noise to be heard.
Today i was cc'd on this email tot he cyclist, with the article attached. (i've attached it for you to read) - so that's a start.
(i'm 'the other woman" - ha, don't mind it so much in this context)

Please find attached the media coverage of your accident, it is very successful in bringing attention to the issue (on the front page). Lisa , the reporter, rang Chris Auchinvole to discuss the issue and he will follow up with the Ministers office, to make them aware of the issue.

I have also contacted Rosie McGrath and discussed the matter, Rosie is on the Land Transport Committee for the West Coast Regional Council. Rosie is going to put it on the agenda at the next meeting.

Thank you for contacting the office, about your experience, this will be of benefit in advocating for cycling safety and cycle pathways in the region.

Yours sincerely

Fran Cohen
Electorate Support

Chris Auchinvole - MP West Coast Tasman
Greymouth office
03 7684528

[FJRider]

That is a dangerous bridge ... as is the similar one nearer Hokitika. Both bridges require you to exit the bridge on the opposite side of the railway line to which you initially arrive at the bridge. The 60 or so times I've used these bridges ... I've found the BEST tactic is to get into the CENTRE of the road (between the rails) before getting on the bridge. And waiting untill you are off the bridge before crossing the last rail. Crossing the rails on either end ... on a sharp an angle as possible. I have not tipped up on either bridge yet ... so it does work.

[pete376403]

I dropped my 1100 on that bridge, was quite sure i was going to go through the railing and into the river but fortunately stopped in time. I tend to take that bridge quite carefully now, especially in the rain (and on the Coast, isn't that most of the time?)

[karla]

I've also put my bike down on this bridge, and was given this email address to notify them about this, as they are collecting incidences to try and put forward the date that some change is made. If anyone else has ever had a problem with the bridge, please let Rosie McGrath know, at Rosie McGrath@cbhd.govt.nz (mailto:// Rosie McGrath@cbhd.govt.nz)

Here's a copy of my email and her reply:


Hi Rosie

I was given your email to contact about this bridge, and I'd like to add my bit, in the hope that further down the track something can be done to make it more safe.

I, like thousands of others, have to cross this bridge to get to the site of the Hokitika Rally that is held each year. I, like many others - I believe quite a few others last year - have lost my grip on the road crossing it in the wet, and ended up on the deck. Last year I had my son on the bike with me, and luckily I had cautioned him prior to going over that it was more than a bit dicey crossing it.

It is, in fact, as I am sure you are aware, dangerously lethal crossing it in the wet, on a motorbike. It's not exactly that much fun even when it's not raining.

My understanding is that there was talk about using this bridge soley for rail traffic, and building another one. As much as I like the historical aspect of the bridge, I think that it is well past it's due date, considering the safety of motorcyclists.

Please add my voice to those who would like to see a change.

Many thanks
Karla <snip other details>




Rosie McGrath
to me




Hiya Karla

Thanks for this – I’ll add it to my stuff I’m collecting – the bridge is due for renewal within the next 10 years – the more information like this the more likely the possibility that we can get it done sooner. Even tho I also like the uniqueness of the bridge it is very dangerous for cyclists and even some motorists don’t know what to do to keep safe.

Cheers

RJ

[danchop]

im fairly certain a motorcyclist was killed a few years back going over one of those bridges

[CookMySock]

Theres one like that near Taneatua. I use the acute angle on, ride up the middle, acute angle off, method. But still, anything with railway lines up it are all fooken dangerous.

http://maps.google.co.nz/maps?ie=UTF8&q=taneatua&fb=1&gl=nz&ei=prH5S6PKO5uwiwORjo2jDg&ved=0CBQQpQY&hl=en&view=map&geocode=Fassu_0deu2MCg&split=0&sll=-38.058526,177.009815&sspn=0.123838,0.245346&hq=&hnear=Taneatua,+Bay+Of+Plenty&ll=-38.048226,176.985122&spn=0.003151,0.004018&z=18&layer=c&cbll=-38.048133,176.984932&panoid=csehVmbFnFh_LIJoMK466A&cbp=12,140.95,,0,4.64

Steve

[oldrider]

They will listen to you, change the bridges and then wait for the complaints that these areas have now lost their "special" character! :mellow:

It's a hard road to find the perfect world son! Good on yah mate, "Speights but". :shifty:

[XF650]

To me the issue isn't the bridge, but rather rider error when crossing railway lines on an angle. The hazrd is well signposted from both ends (see pic) and it's obvious that cyclists and motorbikes should take extra care. And yes, I have ridden this bridge wet and dry, on both road tyres & knobblies.
When motorists don't give way is a different issue.......

Sadly the other road / rail bridge over the Arahura (ala Goodbye Pork Pie) has now gone. The rustic charm of sharing an old bridge with a train is one of the endearing features of the West Coast. Long may it continue.

[grusomhat]

Hah, I've been over that bridge. Went way to fast and almost wiped out at the other end. Rofl, won't be doing that again.

[karla]

I agree about rider error; in most cases we know the dangers, can read the warning signs (love this one btw!), and are responsible for taking care of ourselves.

It isn't a bad thing to make things safer, or easier to navigate - especially the roads. No one likes change, but it is a fact of life. It's called progress.

If I could make a decision about this one I'd work towards a middle ground - keep the old bridge, but have another bridge specially built for the timid and inexperienced. I wonder how many others would keep on using the rail bridge given the choice, just because of it's rustic charm.

[dipshit]

I've found the BEST tactic is to get into the CENTRE of the road (between the rails) before getting on the bridge. And waiting untill you are off the bridge before crossing the last rail. Crossing the rails on either end ... on a sharp an angle as possible.

That's how I have tackled those bridges successfully too.

However it is a crying shame to see and hear of so many motorcyclists going down while crossing them... like on the weekends when the Woodstock rally is on.

[T.W.R]

That is a dangerous bridge ... as is the similar one nearer Hokitika.

You'll find the Arahura combined rail/road bridge is old history now :yes: actually was history at the start of the year as the new one was in operation when the Woodstock rally was held. It was over due to the carnage it caused especially the previous years Woodtsock.

check the link
http://www.aucklandtrains.co.nz/2009/12/11/new-arahura-bridge-opens-separates-road-rail/