Built up debris was being cleared from underneath Whakatāne Bridge this week.

Heavy rain events over past weeks have left woody debris piled up against the piers, with the issue becoming worse with each downpour.

Trees more than 300mm in diameter made up part of the debris and at one stage a dead horse was stuck among it.

The horse carcass is believed to have become dislodged before the end of November and floated downriver.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, which is responsible for the bridge as it makes up part of State Highway 30, has been working closely with Bay of Plenty Regional Council to remove the debris.

The original plan was to use a barge, but a Waka Kotahi spokesperson said on Monday that a barge wasn’t available in time.

“We’ve opted for a land-based recovery operation, which will minimise the amount of debris that will flow out to sea.”

The operation took place during the incoming tide on Wednesday.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.