Clifden Suspension Bridge facts for kids
The Clifden Suspension Bridge is a really old and important bridge in New Zealand, close to a place called Clifden, New Zealand. It was built way back in 1899! This special bridge stretches across the Waiau River and is about 111.5 meters long. People sometimes call it the "Iron Bridge" because of its strong metal parts.
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What is a Suspension Bridge?
A suspension bridge is a type of bridge that uses strong cables to hold up the road or pathway. Imagine a giant hammock! The Clifden Suspension Bridge has twenty-seven strong steel cables that are connected to tall concrete pillars. These pillars are designed to look like they are made of stone. Even though the bridge is very old, it still has its original wooden pathway that people walk on.
A Bridge for Walkers Only
Since 1978, the Clifden Suspension Bridge has been a place just for people walking. Cars and other vehicles are not allowed on it anymore. This helps keep the bridge safe and protects its old structure.
Safety Checks and Repairs
In April 2010, the bridge had to be closed for a while. This happened because experts from Heritage New Zealand (an organization that looks after important historical places) found some safety concerns. These issues were discovered during a regular check-up after an earthquake had happened the year before. Earthquakes can be very powerful, so it's important to check old structures like bridges afterward.
To make sure the bridge was super safe for everyone, it needed some important repairs. After a lot of hard work, the bridge was finally reopened to walkers in November 2013. Now, people can safely enjoy crossing this amazing piece of history once again.
A Protected Piece of History
The Clifden Suspension Bridge is considered a very important historical site. It is listed as a Category I Historic Place by Heritage New Zealand. This means it's one of the most significant historical places in the country and is carefully protected so future generations can enjoy it too.
