Ross locals have been left in limbo following the Westland District Council's decision to retire a bridge connecting the town to a hugely popular cycle trail.
The Totara River rail bridge, which has stood for more than 100 years, was used to ferry trains — and, more recently, cyclists — across the Totara River.
It was put out of commission this week after an engineer assessment identified safety concerns.
"My daughter, she cried when the gates went up," Ross resident Biddy Manera told 1News.
"It is really important to this town to have that bridge."
The Westland District Council has been met with protests following the move.
"I was sort of disgusted with the council, because I've only ever known it to be the bridge there and nothing else," protester Lily Carpenter said.
The closure of the bridge has cut off Ross from the Wilderness Trail — and the tourists that come with it.
The local holiday park had invested $5 million to accommodate cyclists, with upgrades including brand-new glamping pods.
"It's vital to us. It's 25% of our income — probably a little bit more," Ross Beach Top 10 Holiday Park's Andrew Stile said.
The council said a repair would cost at least $5 million and increased rates — and even then, it would only buy another 15 years of life.
A meeting will be held next week as it looks into "every possible option" to minimise the economic fallout.
In the meantime, the town is scrambling for a way forward.
"It's the lifeline. Right now, I feel like they've turned the old life support off," Manera said.
SHARE ME