1920s Manurewa bridge demolished for replacement

The old Beaumonts Bridge on Great South Road in Manurewa was demolished last weekend following the opening of a new, safer bridge.

Traffic is now using the new bridge, which has improved the alignment of the road and overall safety.

The main trunk rail line was closed to allow the old Beaumonts Bridge, which was built by the Railways Department in the 1920s, to be demolished. The bridge was on an alignment at right angles to the railway track that created sharp corners on Great South Road, a factor in the high crash rate around the bridge.

Manukau City Council Transport Portfolio Leader David Collings says the replacement of the old bridge is long over-due.

“The safety of Beaumonts Bridge has been a concern to people for many years so the opening of a safer new bridge will be welcomed by the community.

“As well as improving safety for drivers it will be much safer for pedestrians and cyclists with cycle lanes and better footpaths.

“The new Beaumonts Bridge is much improved structurally so it can cope with heavy vehicles, which is important because this is a well-used route for trucks. Replacement of the bridge was also essential to allow electrification of the rail lines.

“This project is part of the council’s work to make Manukau easier to move around and our roads safer. Better transport networks have benefits for residents and for the economy,” Cr Collings says.

The project, which began in July 2008 is due to be complete in August 2009 as planned. Work is currently being completed on rebuilding the road embankment on the west side of the road.

Project benefits:

• Improved road alignment and overall safety

• Improved visibility at the Myers Road and Great South Road intersection

• Increased safety for pedestrians/cyclists

• Provide a bridge with greater structural integrity for overweight vehicles

• Increase vehicle capacity for the predicted future traffic growth on Great South Road

• The new bridge will have 5.5m clearance over the railway to allow for planned electrification of the rail lines, maintenance access space for Ontrack and allow for an additional rail track if necessary.

Manukau City Council is funding $4.3 million of $10.3m project, with other funding from the New Zealand Transport Agency, Ontrack and a grant from Infrastructure Auckland.