New Kopua Footbridge To Open

On Thursday 22 September, the new Kopua Bridge will be opened, and the public will have a final opportunity to walk the old bridge before it is demolished.

The new bridge replaces one built in 1963 which has become unsafe, but which has become well-known as the site for jumping into the estuary water below for generations of Raglan residents and visitors.

Around 200 Raglan Area School pupils will take part in Thursday’s opening ceremony, with Mayor Allan Sanson cutting the ribbon. Following the formal opening, the public will be able to walk across the bridge one last time, before crossing the new bridge for the first time.

General manager water & facilities Richard Bax says demolition of the old bridge will start almost immediately.

“We know that many generations of people have fond memories of this bridge so we are recycling the hardwood handrail, with two benches to be made locally, These will be placed near the barbeque on Kopua Domain,” Mr Bax says.

In addition, the opening itself will make a contribution to the community, with fund raising opportunities for Lions Leo’s Project for Youth, Raglan Operational Support, Te Mata and Raglan Area Schools.

“This new bridge with its distinctive lighting and colours of the sea and paua, will, I’m sure, become just as much a part of Raglan’s identity as the old bridge,” Mr Bax says.