Completed in 1965, the concrete bridge situated on State Highway 1 near Tuamarina spans the Wairau River. The bridge is an essential piece of infrastructure that maintains the passage of cars and freight trucks throughout New Zealand. It is on the main route between the Port of Picton and the rest of the South Island. Like most of the bridges I crossed between Christchurch and Picton, this one is without adornments or beautification. It is a simple two-lane bridge and this one does not have a pedestrian or bicycle or breakdown area. Boring but functional. In doing research for the review, I've learned that the bridge is at risk for earthquake damage. It was not designed for the heavy loads that are traveling across it with modern trucks. It's also been closed at least once due to high water from the Wairau River. The nearest alternative is the bridge at Kaituna is upriver by about 6 miles but it looks like quite the detour. [Review 439 of 2024 - 92 in New Zealand - 21472 overall] read more

Wairau River Bridge - Wairau River Bridge between Blenheim and Picton, heading north - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Tuamarina, MBH

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