Structural collapse of the Oamaru Bay boat ramp

A feasibility study is being done on the possible repair or replacement of the 35 year old Oamaru Bay boat ramp after the middle of the ramp collapsed.

After being inspected by an engineer, it was determined that the ramp has the potential for the remaining sections to slump due to similar undermining and backfilling caused by the tides which are affecting the structures foundation.

"There is no way of telling with any certainty how far the void extends down the ramp without drilling inspection holes through the slab," says Greg Hampton, Thames Area Manager.

"There are sections of the ramp with cracks and separation of the slabs which is a significant health and safety issue," says Mr Hampton.

The ramp had patch repairs carried out in August/September last year, but it wasn't enough to prevent the slump.

"If there is community support for the facility we may be able to justify the repairs or replacement of the ramp," says Mr Hampton.

"We do have to ensure the ramp can become operationally sustainable and we will need to engage with the community to assess the level of support and options."

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