Some West Coast businesses may go bust after the closure of the Waiho River Bridge caused an abrupt end to visits by tourists.
The Waiho River Bridge was washed out after torrential rain. Photo: Wayne Costello / DOC
The South Westland bailey bridge was washed away when torrential rain battered the West Coast on 26 March, cutting off access between Fox Glacier and Franz Josef.
It's about a 25-minute drive from Fox Glacier to Franz Josef when the bridge is intact.
But without the bridge, South Westland has been effectively cut in half with detours adding hundreds of extra kilometres or forcing people to use helicopter taxis. Motorists are forced to drive around the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park and through Arthur's Pass - a roughly 12- hour journey.
It's hoped a new bridge will be completed in time for the school holidays. Photo: Supplied / Downer
The Transport Agency now says the bridge is expected to re-open on Friday.
Army engineers and a construction team have made good progress dismantling the old bridge sections, it said.
It's expected the new structure will be in place on Tuesday.
But it will not be open to traffic for at least a couple of days because the bridge needs to be jacked, rocking rollers removed, new permanent bearings installed, and the whole structure safely fastened in place.
More work will also be needed once the bridge is open to traffic.
But West Coast accountant Andrew Elphick said that is not enough to assure some Franz Josef businesses, who laid off staff early.
"A lot of people have already made their decisions, tourism operators can't go on a hope that something will be open. Going into the winter that loss and turnover is going to take a major effect on cash flow.
"Cash flow is king during the winter, that means by about October their monetary resources could be exhausted or they might be looking at liquidation."
The 170 metre new bailey bridge was initially expected to be in place within seven to 10 days, but problems with site access and materials had slowed progress.
It's now expected to be reopened by 12 April.
