Boaties: if over 26 º travel in cooler parts of day

A warm early beginning to summer has seen temperatures in the mid to high 20s in Whangarei and has Whangarei engineers planning ahead for the impact of high temperatures on Te Matau a Pohe this summer.

In its first summer (last year) the bridge’s lifting platform (bascule) expanded more than was expected during the hottest days of summer.

Council imposed a restriction on bridge lifts once the temperature rises above 26ºC, and shaved 30mm off the steel lip of the bascule to ensure smooth operation.

“Last year showed us that the bascule expands over 26º so we made a small adaptation to the bridge. This year we have hit 26º a bit earlier than expected, but we have the experience of last year (changes and lifting limitations) to guide us,” said District Council Roading Manager Jeff Devine.

“Every season is different, and every year is different, so we need the bridge to go through several cycles of seasons before we know exactly what to expect in every circumstance. We’ll be experts before too long – in fact we’re already world experts because there are so few bridges of this type on the planet.

“I would advise boaties planning to leave or enter the upper harbour thought the bridge to keep an eye on the expected temperature for the day, and if it is likely to hit 26º or more, to plan to leave in the cooler hours of the morning or evening.”

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