Bridges

This paper considers how several recent pedestrian-oriented bridges, all on Auckland’s Western Ring Route, provide new connections or re-establish severed connections between communities. As the architect involved in these bridges, I will also comment on design aspects which help each fit its particular situation and what factors make each memorable. Four bridges are discussed in some detail, two each on the SH16/SH18 and two on the SH20 Manukau Harbour Crossing section of the WRR. Others on the SH20 Waterview Connection and Mount Roskill Extension are mentioned in less detail.

The bridges discussed are:

• Clarks Lane pedestrian/cycle bridge
• Westgate pedestrian/cycle bridge
• Oakley, Olympus and Hendon pedestrian/cycle bridges
• Keith Hay Park and Ernie Pinches St pedestrian/cycle bridges
• Beachcroft Avenue pedestrian/cycle bridge
• Onehunga Foreshore pedestrian/cycle bridge
• Onehunga Harbour Road pedestrian/cycle bridge