03/12/2020
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Upokongaro Cycle Bridge now Open
Upokongaro Cycle and Pedestrian Bridge opened to the public on Wednesday. It is part of the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono trail, which begins in Ohakune and continues through National Park to Whanganui, ending at Castlecliff’s North Mole.
The Mayor said it was wonderful to see children from Upokongaro School taking part in the opening ceremony and involved in the first official crossing from Papaiti to Upokongaro.
He said the bridge opening was good news for tourism and visitors to Whanganui – bringing economic benefits to the district.
However, he suggested that “people refrain from doing the loop along State Highway 4. With current speed settings on the highway it isn’t the best place to be on a bike.”
Mayor McDouall recognised the significant funding contributions of Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (50%) and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment ($600,000) towards the bridge and also thanked council officers, the project team and the Upokongaro and Papaiti communities for their participation.
“I acknowledge that it has taken us a while to get here,” he said. “Our process for consultation needed to improve and we have had to work to remedy that. There certainly is still work to do and we will ensure we follow through on our commitments in the interests of the people and the environment of this place.”
Photo courtesy of Lamp Studios
