‘It’s about time’: Hamilton welcomes new bridge

Monday, 2 September 2024

Thousands of people gathered on Peacocke Bridge on Saturday to walk it for the first time.

Te Ara Pekapeka Bridge is off to a good start, attracting thousands of people keen to feel the new bridge under their feet for the first time.

Nearby streets were bumper to bumper as residents came to walk or cycle the bridge for the first time at the weekend.

From back left are Nicky van Praagh, Daniel van Praagh, Paul van Praagh and Sez van Praagh with Molly McHugh (left, front), Brax van Praagh, Luca van Praagh and Kenzie McHugh.

Among the crowds was Daniel van Praagh. He was checking out the new bridge with his family. A local to the area who will no doubt use the bridge many times, he said he’s impressed.

“It’s about time New Zealand and Hamilton had something like this,” Van Praagh said.

“The rest of the world does, so it’s nice we’re catching up.”

People flocked to the opening, filling up neighbouring streets with parked cars.

Jenny Bailey was excited to have easier access to visit her son.

He said the design was “perfect”, and he appreciated that the area’s ecosystem, including Hamilton’s long-tailed bats, had been kept in mind.

A once-in-a-lifetime exercise opportunity.

“I live around here so I’ll use the bridge a lot. I’m looking forward to when there’s more cafes out here. It would be a great place to come have a coffee.”

Van Praagh walked the bridge while his children whizzed across on their trikes and bikes.

City councillor Louise Hutt said she’ll enjoy riding her bike over the bridge.

Jenny Bailey, who lives at Hilda Ross, said the bridge will give her easier access to visit her son.

“I’ve been watching it be built over the years, and it’s great to see it finally finished,” she said.

There’s also plenty to explore around both ends of the bridge.

Thousands of people visited the bridge on Saturday.

“I was really thrilled to see all the planting, especially of native trees. And it’s good to see them thinking about protecting the bats.”

Mayor Paula Southgate visited the bridge earlier this month with council’s general manager of infrastructure and assets Andrew Parsons.

Also among the walkers, cyclists, and tricyclists, was Hamilton city councillor Louise Hutt, a keen cyclist and advocate for emission free transportation.

“I think it’s the most interesting, beautiful bridge. Truly special and lovely,” Hutt said.

“It does so much more than take people across the river. It takes people on a journey, physically and culturally.”

The bridge incorporates visual representations of te ao Māori, with huge steel structures that represent the interconnectivity of people, place and history.

Hutt said she’s excited to see Hamilton’s cycle-friendly infrastructure growing.

“I’m very pleased to see more thoughtful infrastructure for cyclists, especially that which connects up to other cycle infrastructure in the city.”

Te Ara Pekapeka Bridge also includes a T2 lane. These lanes have been implemented in Auckland and Wellington, and only allow for vehicles with two or more passengers. Hamilton is the third city in the country to implement T2 lanes.

Mayor Paula Southgate couldn’t quite make it to the bridge walk, but said she heard enough about it from her son in law, who has an interest in engineering, and gushed over the design.

“The engineering is not only beautiful, but also so, so clever,” Southgate said.

“It was so lovely to see all the pictures on social media of people enjoying the bridge and enjoying the sunshine.”

She said the event also gave Hamiltonians a glimpse at Hamilton’s newest subdivision Peacocke, which will be home to 20,000 people.

“It’s a stone's throw from the Hamilton Gardens, a stone's throw from the river. I mean could you be better situated?”