The NZ Transport Agency is making good progress towards building a new bridge between Onehunga and Māngere to replace the Old Māngere Bridge, which closed for safety reasons late last year.
The new bridge will have space for pedestrians and cyclists to travel safely, and will be designed so that people of all ages can enjoy it in comfort.
It will have room underneath for small boats and canoes to pass, fishing bays, lots of seating, rain gardens to help clean stormwater, and clear views of One Tree Hill, Māngere Mountain, Manukau Inlet and the wider Manukau Harbour.
Construction will begin mid-2019 and is expected to take about two and a half years.
The NZ Transport Agency will continue to work with the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu and Maungakiekie-Tāmaki local boards to deliver this long-anticipated community asset.
Safety improvements to the alternative route
As part of ensuring people can safely and conveniently cross the harbour on bike and by foot while construction is underway, improvements to the SH20 underpass have been made, including the installation of a higher handrail and improved lighting. The path was repainted, and security guards will remain on the route 24/7. CCTV cameras will be installed shortly.
More markings to the floor help indicate where bikes and pedestrians are to safely walk and ride.
Indications are that the number of people on foot and on bikes using the alternative route is the same as used the Old Māngere Bridge. This shows the importance and value of having a walking and cycling connection across the harbour in this area.
Ninety-one percent of people NZ Transport Agency talked to as part of a survey late last year indicated they were either happy or very happy with the improvements and safety on the alternative route.
Visit the NZ Transport Agency website more information.
