Gisborne District Council is preparing to reopen Tolaga Bay Wharf to its halfway point by the end of February.
The wharf has been temporarily closed since January 2023, due to the impacts of Cyclone Hale. The Council says the wharf was assessed for user safety and a recommendation made to install the temporary fence and stop access, following the cyclone damage.
“Following further large swells, it was reassessed and a second section was deemed unsafe due to major deterioration; two piles missing at the berth, steel rods hanging from the structure, significant corrosion of concrete and reinforced steel exposed on beams,” the Council said in a statement.
“We understand this iconic structure is also a valued fishing spot for the community. Reopening the wharf to halfway by the end of February allows time to measure the depth at low and high tide from the halfway point, alter and galvanise materials and finalise safety signage.”
The Council says a computer scanning survey will be conducted on the structure to provide more qualitative data of the structural condition, which will be used as a benchmark to compare with future surveys. It will also provide a visual of the deterioration to assist with future decisions.
