A render of the bridge over Waipoua River. PHOTO/SUPPLIED.
Construction on a new bridge over Waipoua River will begin this week, providing pedestrian and cycle access to Oxford St Reserve from the south side of the river.
Masterton District Council [MDC] approved the construction of the bridge in a meeting in August 2020 and gave the project a budget of $485,000.
The bridge had an estimated build time of four to five weeks.
The bridge would be lined by 50 pou commissioned by six local Maori artists that would tell stories representing the past, present and future of the Waipoua River.
Council manager community facilities and activities Corin Haines said an average of 1500 people a month use the Akura Rd trail on the south side of the river and the design of the bridge aimed to maximise accessibility, with ramps at each end and a 100-person capacity.
“Walkers and cyclists will begin to notice preparations for the start of work, and there will be fenced-off areas during construction which we would ask people to respect.
“The bridge will really add to our recreational trail network, and there are plans to in due course extend the trail on the north side of the river from the Colin Pugh Sports Bowl up to the Oxford St Reserve.”
MDC has said there may be restricted or limited access at the building sites on Bentley St and Oxford St during construction and has asked people to be patient while work is carried out.
