Bertrand Road Suspension Bridge
Project Name
Bertrand Road Suspension Bridge
Client name
New Plymouth District Council
Project location
Waitara
Timeframe
Completed 2006
Contractor
Mackenzie Construction Limited
The Bertrand Road Suspension Bridge was originally built in 1897. It was later rebuilt in 1927 after the bridge was dismantled in the 1920’s due to flood damage. The Bertrand Road bridge provided safe access across the Waitara River. Over time, as the bridge deteriorated, height and weight restrictions were imposed to extend its life. The bridge was eventually declared unsafe, and was closed to vehicular traffic in 1985, and closed to foot traffic in 2004, pending total removal.
A trust was set up to restore the bridge, with a community fundraising scheme. This included a “buy a plank” initiative, where a donation saw a donor’s name engraved on each deck plank on the bridge.
Frame Group assisted conservation architect Chris Cochrane in preparation of a conservation plan and methodology for restoring this unique suspension bridge. The local community raised $630,000 for the restoration work, which was designed, specified and managed by Frame Group as engineer to contract. The bridge is open again for pedestrians and light vehicles, allowing locals and visitors to enjoy this remnant of heritage engineering from our pioneering era.
Today the bridge is open again for pedestrians allowing locals and visitors to enjoy this remnant of heritage engineering from our pioneering era.
