Last beam on Old Māngere Bridge removed as new build ramps up

In News1 MinutesBy NZ Trucking magazineNovember 12, 2021

The last bridge beam of the Old Māngere Bridge is about to be removed as part of Waka Kotahi continues with the construction of a new bridge over Auckland’s Manukau Harbour.

The very first Old Māngere Bridge was built in 1875 and made of timber but was closed in 1914 due to safety concerns. In 1915, the second Old Māngere Bridge officially opened. It was made from reinforced concrete and is believed to be the oldest bridge of this type crossing a New Zealand Harbour.

However, that bridge deteriorated and a temporary bridge was built over it in the 1980s so it could remain open.

Since late 2019, Waka Kotahi and its contractors McConnell Dowell have been simultaneously deconstructing the old bridge while building the new one.

“It shows the strategic importance this corridor holds in linking the southern and northern suburbs and why Waka Kotahi wants to maintain an accessible off-road connection for these communities,” said Mark Kinvig, Waka Kotahi national manager infrastructure delivery.

“Removing the last bridge beam does feel like the end of an era, as the Old Māngere Bridge is a landmark which when talked about within the local community seems to naturally evoke the sharing of long lost family memories and gives us an opportunity to reflect on how much Auckland has changed over the last 100 years.”

The new bridge is expected to open in late 2022.