A new bridge spanning Auckland's Manukau Harbour must be suitable for walking, cycling and fishing, say Mangere residents.

Construction will start as early as next year to replace the Old Mangere Bridge and the New Zealand Transport Agency hopes it will be completed by 2015 - 100 years after the old bridge opened.

NZTA has met with residents on either side of the bridge and workshops were held at schools to hear children's views.

All up, NZTA received around 1500 responses and another 800 people visited open days in Mangere Bridge and Onehunga.

Key suggestions were to make the bridge high enough for boats and waka ama, and include good lighting and handrails.

"The result demonstrates just how important this link is to people on both sides of the harbour and the communities deserves a big 'thank you' for their interest and support," NZTA spokesman Steve Mutton said.

"It will help shape our views about how the new bridge will look."

Design and funding for the new bridge will be finalised next year, and the community will be consulted again.

The Old Mangere Bridge opened in 1915. It was closed to all traffic, except pedestrians, after a new motorway was built across the Manukau Harbour in 1983.

- © Fairfax NZ News