Tinwald viaduct closed after vehicle strikes overbridge in Ashburton

Thursday 28 August 2025 · 6 outlets · 4 reports · updated Fri 29 Aug 2025, 4:41pm

In this story KiwiRail

The Tinwald viaduct in Ashburton has been temporarily closed after a vehicle struck the overhead impact beam. KiwiRail confirmed the Canterbury bridge is the most frequently hit in New Zealand, averaging 13 strikes per year. Repairs to the structure may take several months to complete.

How they headlined it

15h7h

Thu 6:37pmFri 9:28am4:08pm4:41pm

1. 1NewsThu 28 Aug 2025, 6:37pm

   NZ's most hit rail overbridge: Is it time to close the road? (opens in new tab)

2. RNZFri 29 Aug 2025, 9:28am

   The country's most hit overbridge: Is it time to close the road? (opens in new tab)

   Also on Stuff (opens in new tab), The Press (opens in new tab)

3. Otago Daily TimesFri 29 Aug 2025, 4:08pm

   Calls to close country's most hit overbridge (opens in new tab)

4. NZ HeraldFri 29 Aug 2025, 4:41pm

   New Zealand’s most hit overbridge: Is it time to close the road? (opens in new tab)