Final drawings for the replacement Kopua footbridge – which is to be barely a metre higher than the current structure – should be ready for public feedback and the consent process within six weeks, paving the way for a brand new bridge to be built by next summer.
That was the word late last week from Raglan Community Board chairperson Peter Storey, who reinforced again that the underside of the new bridge – which will be sited about 10m to the north to allow continual access across the estuary while building is in progress – will be just 800mm higher than the 46-year-old bridge now destined for demolition.
That’s still not as high as the original footbridge built in 1929, he points out, which old photos show was a good two metres higher than the current structure.
Released just before Christmas, the Waikato District Council-approved concept plan prepared by Aurecon (formerly Connell Wagner) has now “pushed the go button”, says Mr Storey.
Aurecon’s design, he adds, has come as a direct result of public feedback from the council’s four open days held in Raglan town hall early last year in which people opted to keep the curve of the bridge the same and to have fewer piles, so reducing the impact on the seabed.
Mr Storey says the measurements beneath a drawing on display downtown at Show Off Gallery are incorrect and causing confusion, and should never have been reproduced.
“The bridge will be 800mm higher on the underside than the current bridge,” confirms local councillor Clint Baddeley who worked with members of the community board, Mayor Peter Harris and fellow councillor Graeme Tait to come up with the preferred option.
“We had an overwhelming response from people who wanted the replacement bridge to remain in keeping with Raglan’s natural landscape,” he says. “What we have arrived at, we believe, does just that.”
The project is expected to cost $2.8 million with $200,000 allocated to the removal of the existing bridge.
“We have worked with local people to look at ways in which the history and heritage of the area can be reflected in the design and this work is ongoing.”
Cr Baddeley is also keen to work closely with the community to look at ways to develop the area near where the bridge “lands”, including Wi Neera Street to the walkway and the reserve behind the police station.
“Each piece adds richness to our town and recognises what it is we value in living here,” he says.
Edith Symes
