Bridging the Gaps

Hardies Bridge at Matakohe was originally a simple accessway with various updates and alterations since the late 1800s, initially just a means to ‘get to the other side.’

Andersons Bridge was established around the same time essentially to give access to the local store. Nowadays of course it is a major artery for all classes and weights of vehicle as part of state highway 12, the main access route west from SH1. While road upgrades over the years have aided the servicing of the greater Kaipara area to Dargaville and the west coast the bridges have remained single lane throughfares but the sizes and weights of heavy traffic over the years have led to risk-taking by some drivers and increased the likelihood of tragic accidents.

Some stories both hair-raising and hilarious can be recounted of smaller vehicles of yesteryear even passing on the bridge, but essentially campaigners in recent times have horrific stories to tell of accidents and near accidents. While there have been no fatalities Nobody for some time campaigners can be applauded for their tenacity on both a local, national political levels in finally getting the powers that be to take the matter seriously, do the necessary inspections then, finally, agree to renew both bridges to two-lane and to 21st century standard able to cope safely with heavier and greater traffic volumes which are both inevitable in the future.

The project is now underway by Fulton Hogan will also include a straightening the road, in all a 3km road alignment, better approaches and vision from either direction and safer for all users.

Site preparation has begun, much of which over the summer will consist of filling the new corridor and bringing ground up to the required height. Sediment controls also a major factor as the first bridge will span the Matakohe River and ecological safety must be taken into account.

It is envisaged that 90% of major earthworks will be completed by end of summer then followed by bridge construction with estimated completion of the project in the summer of 2019.