Mangawara Bridge in Taupiri was officially opened on 30 May 2022.
A small opening ceremony was held under the confines of Level 2 restrictions, but a bigger commemoration of the new bridge that reflects the significance of the project is planned in the coming weeks.
The purpose of the project was to provide safer access to the southern side of Taupiri Maunga, the Urupaa, scenic reserve and private properties.
The old railway crossing entrance on the northern side of the vehicle bridge is temporarily closed off while a permanent solution is being planned.
The new bridge, built by Emmetts Civil Construction, is at the end of Watts Grove and is a single lane vehicle road with pedestrian access.
You can get to Watts Grove from Orini Rd, just off the Orini Rd roundabout in Taupiri
Please park all vehicles on the Urupa side of the bridge, not on Watts Grove.
Many partners and stakeholders were involved in the project including Waikato District Council, Waikato-Tainui, NZ Transport Agency, KiwiRail, Taupiri Community Board and community, the Taupiri Urupaa Komiti, Taupiri Marae, Emmetts Civil Construction, Waikato River Authority and Waikato Raupatu Lands Trust.
Why do we need this new bridge?
The existing pedestrian and vehicle access to this extremely important urupa site is unsafe. They pose a risk for the Taupiri community and the wider population.
The vehicle access off State Highway 1 is dangerous.
There’s a lack of suitable pedestrian access resulting in illegal use of the nearby KiwiRail bridge to get to the urupa and scenic reserve.
The uncontrolled rail crossing near the access point to State Highway 1 has poor visibility and has been the site of recent incidents.