Opawa River Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Opawa River Bridge |
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Opawa River Bridge in April 2021
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| Coordinates | 41°29′49″S 173°57′43″E / 41.497007°S 173.961961°E |
| Crosses | Opawa River |
| Locale | Blenheim, New Zealand |
| History | |
| Construction begin | 1869 |
| Opened | 1917 |
| Designated: | 28 June 1990 |
| Reference #: | 241 |
The Opawa River Bridge is a special bridge in Blenheim, New Zealand. It crosses the Ōpaoa River. This bridge is made of strong concrete and has a unique "bowstring truss" design. It's not just any bridge; it's considered a very important historical place in New Zealand!
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What is the Opawa River Bridge?
The Opawa River Bridge is a famous landmark in Blenheim, New Zealand. It helps people cross the Ōpaoa River. This bridge is built using a special method called "reinforced concrete bowstring truss." This design makes the bridge very strong and unique.
Why is This Bridge Special?
The Opawa River Bridge is not just a way to get across the river. It is also a "Category I" historic place. This means it has very important historical or cultural value. Heritage New Zealand (which used to be called the New Zealand Historic Places Trust) gave it this special title. It shows how important the bridge is to the history of the area.
A Look at the Bridge's History
The story of the Opawa River Bridge is quite interesting. The first bridge built here didn't last very long.
The First Bridge and Its Collapse
The very first bridge at this spot was built in 1869. But sadly, it collapsed just nine years later, in 1878. This meant people in Blenheim needed a new way to cross the river.
Building the New Bridge
It took a while for a new bridge to be completed. The current Opawa River Bridge was finally finished and opened at the end of 1917. This bridge has stood strong for over 100 years!
How the Bridge is Used Today
For many years, the Opawa River Bridge was a very busy part of a main road. But things have changed recently.
A Busy Roadway
From 1917 until 2020, the Opawa River Bridge was part of Grove Road. This road is also part of State Highway 1, which is a major highway in New Zealand. Many cars and trucks used this bridge every day.
A New Bridge and New Purpose
In 2016, the government decided to build a new bridge. This new bridge was built just a little bit upstream (to the west) from the old one. The new bridge opened for cars and trucks in July 2020. Now, the historic Opawa River Bridge is still open, but it's used only by people walking or riding bikes. It's a great way for cyclists and pedestrians to enjoy the river crossing safely.
