Waka Kotahi sticks to original plan to demolish old Manawatū River Bridge

The old Manawatu River bridge. Photo: Nick Simmons.

The old Manawatū River Bridge is soon to be demolished.

Plans to demolish the old bridge were put on hold after requests to keep it for walking and cycling.

Principal project manager Glen Prince said Waka Kotahi considered keeping it has decided to remove it, and its piers, from the river for the long-term benefit of the environment and people who use the river.

"We consulted with council, iwi partners and stakeholders, including the local boating and cycling groups, and took a number of factors into consideration, such as the environment, safety and costs, and have decided that the best option is to demolish the old bridge as we'd originally planned," he said.

Whirokino Trestle and the Manawatu River Bridge replacement project.

It will be torn down after the new Manawatū River Bridge and Whirokino Trestle are finished, and work is due due to start in the coming months. Removing the old one will be safer for people boating, swimming or generally enjoying recreational activities in the river, Prince said.

Few people walk or cycle across the Manawatū River Bridge and for those who do, there is a 1.5m shoulder on each side for them, and recent improvements to level the drain grates in the shoulder also ensure a smoother and safer journey across the 200-metre-long bridge.

The old Manawatu River bridge. Photo: Nick Simmons.

"We know that some people in the walking and cycling community will be disappointed by this decision. However, walkers and cyclists can continue to use the new Manawatū River Bridge and the Ken Everett cycleway alongside the Whirokino Trestle.

"The decision does not preclude Waka Kotahi from building another walking and cycling facility over the river in the future."