Mangaweka Bridge

A special connection in a special spot, soon to be retired to pedestrian and cycle only status after 115 years of sterling service for the folk of the Rangitikei.

A new $11 million bridge is planned for 30 metres downstream.as the timber decking of this one-way landmark is becoming unsafe for traffic. However at it's conception, this bridge was symbolic of the need for connection in the fledgling farming communities of rural New Zealand.

The original Pakeha settlers here were a dozen unemployed men sent by the Government from Timaru, sent to start breaking in the land of the Kawhatu Valley for faming. A low level bridge in this spot stole the lives of many men and horses, at the same time the same Government pouring thousands of pounds into the railways, including the nearby Makohine Viaduct, which even sprouted it's own steel works to provide materials.

Though the bridge project began in 1896, a flood roared through and stole the work and materials so it was not until 1904 after the Minister of Public Works saw firsthand the destruction as yet another low level bridge was washed out, that this bridge was designed. Though it was finished 15 months later, there was no grand opening for the Mangaweka Bridge.

Image Credit: Mangaweka Road Bridge Plans Courtesy of Archives Central