“Picture a time when river transport was Albany’s lifeline.” That was before roads improved. Now, let’s explore the story of the Lucas Creek Albany Bridge. It stands where the past echoes.
The area was originally known as Ōkahukura. That means “place of Kahukura”. Kahukura was the god of rainbows. Māori also called the creek Kaipātiki. This translates to “Stream for eating flounder.” Early European settlers renamed it Lucas Creek. This was after Daniel Clucas. He was an early entrepreneur.
Lucas Creek is an arm of the Upper Waitematā Harbour. It starts as a freshwater stream. It flows from Fairview Heights. The stream flows southwest. Lucas Creek Waterfall is near Gills Road in Albany. After Albany, the creek meets the Ōteha Stream. It widens into a tidal inlet. It passes Lucas Heights and Schnapper Rock. Then, it meets Te Wharau Creek at Greenhithe. Finally, it enters the Upper Waitematā Harbour. This is between Paremoremo and Greenhithe.
The Lucas Creek Albany Bridge has a history. The first bridge was northeast of today’s bridge. It was above the waterfall in Gills Reserve. Storms often flooded the bridge. High tides made travel impossible. In 1907, a higher bridge replaced it. It stood where today’s Lucas Creek Albany Bridge is. Concrete supports were added in 1910.
A major storm struck in March 1936. The creek swelled and undercut the bridge. Mr. Cowley drove his Model T into the creek. Fortunately, he escaped without injury. The current concrete Lucas Creek Albany Bridge was built by year’s end.
Below the Lucas Creek Albany Bridge was the Station. It was also known as the Upper Landing. The Lower Landing opened in 1907. Lucas Creek’s isolation meant boats were important. The Station was the furthest point for small steamships at high tide. Ships carried kauri timber, gum, goods, and passengers. At low tide, boats sat on the creek bed. Travelers had to wait for the tide to rise.
River transport continued into the 1920s. Roads improved and cars became popular. In 1930, the Kaipatiki made the last commercial run. The wharf was soon demolished. Without traffic, the creek silted up. Flooding and development caused erosion. Only small boats could travel from the Waitematā to the Lucas Creek Albany Bridge.
The village was first called Lucas Creek. In 1890, it was renamed Albany. This was after a fruit-growing region in Western Australia. Albany was at a crossroads. Travelers went north from Northcote Point. Others traveled east-west between Wade and Riverhead.
Today, the Lucas Creek Albany Bridge stands as a testament. It represents the area’s history. It connects Albany’s past and present. The Lucas Creek Albany Bridge is more than just concrete and steel. It is a reminder of a time when the river shaped the community.