Bridge design inspired by whale and waka

A bridge reflecting Whangarei's history and culture is being proposed for the Lower Hatea River.

The Whangarei District Council has decided an additional crossing between Pohe Island and Port Rd is needed to ease traffic congestion.

The $34.5 million cost is to be shared between the council and New Zealand Transport Authority.

The council recently decided to go ahead with a bridge, with a central lift for yachts, rather than a bridge, lock and weir to control the tides in the upper harbour.

The weir and lock - at a cost of $14.6 million extra - can be added later.

But the bridge can still be an iconic piece of infrastructure for Whangarei with the only lifting bridge in the country, says a council spokesperson.

The council has engaged landscape architects Littoralis to create concept designs symbolising Whangarei.

The designs reflect Whangarei, meaning "the meeting place of whales".

The options include a waka with paddles standing up like fish bones, metal trees covered in nets symbolising fishing nets put out to dry and whale bones.

The decorative designs are expected to cost about $1m extra.

The council will have to cover this cost but expects the project can still come in within budget, says the spokesperson.

Have your say: Any thoughts on these bridge concept designs? Email your letter to the editor to whangarei.editor@snl.co.nz

 

 

- © Fairfax NZ News