“Onslow Road Rail Bridge.” That’s the name echoing in the community. It carries trains safely over Onslow Road. Think of the weight it bears day in and day out. The Onslow Road Rail Bridge is a testament to engineering.
Before bridges like this existed travel was difficult. Ferries were the main way to cross water. A bridge offered a faster more reliable option.
The Auckland Harbour Bridge also faced this issue. Before it was built ferries were the only option. The Auckland Harbour Bridge connects Auckland city to the North Shore. The Auckland Harbour Bridge is part of State Highway 1.
The Auckland Harbour Bridge is operated by the NZ Transport Agency. About 170000 vehicles cross it daily. That includes over 1000 buses.
Back then in the 1950s the North Shore was mostly rural. The Auckland Harbour Bridge opened in 1959. This unlocked the potential for Auckland’s expansion.
The Auckland Harbour Bridge was initially planned with five or six lanes. But the First National Government opted for an austerity design. It had four lanes without footpaths.
The Auckland Harbour Bridge took four years to build. Dorman Long and the Cleveland Bridge built it. They also constructed the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The Auckland Harbour Bridge was opened in 1959. 106000 people walked across on its opening day.
During construction, the Auckland Harbour Board required a clearance of 43.5 metres. This was for ships like the P&O cruise liner SS Canberra.
By the 1970s box girder bridges developed problems. The Auckland Harbour Bridge was inspected. It was decided to strengthen the bridge’s girder system.
The Auckland Harbour Bridge started as a toll bridge. Tolls were discontinued in 1984. The toll system removal happened because collection costs outweighed profits.
The Auckland Harbour Bridge clip-ons were added later. These additions doubled the number of lanes. These clip-ons have faced issues. Cracks and material fatigue have been found.
The Auckland Harbour Bridge has a tidal flow system. The center lanes change direction. This accommodates peak-period traffic.
The Auckland Harbour Bridge has a moveable concrete safety barrier. This separates traffic in opposite directions. The Auckland Harbour Bridge eliminates head-on accidents.
The Auckland Harbour Bridge has a proposed walk and cycleway. Rail lines and walking paths were dropped for cost reasons initially.
The Auckland Harbour Bridge is used for bungy jumping and bridge climbs. AJ Hackett operates these. The Auckland Harbour Bridge Vector lights illuminate it at night. These lights use renewable energy.
The Auckland Harbour Bridge faces issues. Resonance from people walking can cause it to sway. The Auckland Harbour Bridge has undergone seismic improvements. This addresses its vulnerability to earthquakes.
The Auckland Harbour Bridge suffered structural damage in 2020. High winds caused a truck to strike a main member. The Auckland Harbour Bridge was temporarily repaired.
The Auckland Harbour Bridge stands as a vital link. It connects communities and carries countless journeys. Its story reflects Auckland’s growth and resilience.