The historic footbridge over the railway in Ashburton will be out of action for at least three weeks, with engineers confirming damage to a support pier on the western pedestrian approach after a car crashed into it this week.

Acting CE Neil McCann said temporary support was being designed under urgency, and the structure would be fixed permanently during a planned refurbishment starting early next year.

“Our engineers have inspected the footbridge since the crash and confirmed substantial damage to one of the piers on the western approach. The car will be left there until the temporary support is installed as the vehicle is acting as a temporary prop at the moment.”

Damage included the destruction of a timber pier, cracking of a concrete footing and damage to the handrail and deck planks.

The footbridge has been taped off at East Street and West Street/SH1 and no entry signs are in place.

A conservation plan for the historic footbridge was adopted in 2023 and the refurbishment estimate is $705,000. It needs maintenance and renewal work, including the restoration of the central steel truss.

The 25-metre footbridge was built in 1917 and crosses the main trunk line at Wills Street; it is well used by pedestrians and cyclists as a mid-point crossing between Havelock Street and Walnut Avenue.

It is a listed historic item by Heritage New Zealand and Council also records it as a heritage item in the District Plan.