The Daniel O’Connell Bridge (Ophir Historic Bridge) will soon be restricted to light vehicles only.
After completing a recent inspection of the heritage structure near Ophir, Central Otago District Council engineers have recommended reducing the weight limit, to ensure public safety and the bridge’s structural longevity.
The Council wants to extend its life as long as possible, therefore the new posting will limit access to vehicles under 4000kg gross weight, 3000kg axle weight only. The speed limit of 10km/h is unchanged.
Light vehicles, motorbikes and cyclists are still able to use the bridge. Heavy vehicles can use the alternative route via the Ida Valley Omakau Bridge, which has no weight restrictions.
Also known as the Ophir road bridge, the well-known suspension bridge with its schist masonry towers provides a crossing over the Manuherekia River west of Ophir.
It was constructed between 1879 and 1880 and designed by Vincent County Engineer Leslie Duncan Macgeorge (1854-1939) and built by J. S. Derby and R. Edgar of Timaru.
History tells us that it was named after Irish Catholic MP Daniel O’Connell (1775-1847), which seemed an appropriate and seemingly popular choice, because the bridge was located in an area heavily populated by Irish Catholic immigrants.
