What if I told you that this bridge was once dubbed “Myers’ Folly”? It’s quite a story, this Grafton Road Overbridge. Let’s delve into its history.
The Grafton Road Overbridge stands as a testament to Auckland’s growth. It connects the Auckland CBD and Karangahape Road with Grafton. This reinforced concrete bridge spans Grafton Gully. Built in 1910, it has a rich history. The Grafton Road Overbridge stretches about 97.6 meters. It rises 25.6 meters above its abutments. It stands approximately 43 meters over the gully. At the time of its construction, it was the largest reinforced concrete arch globally.
Before this structure, two earlier bridges crossed the gully. The first, in 1884, was a cable-stayed pedestrian bridge. It linked St Martins Lane and Bridge Street. By its later years, police guarded each end after rugby matches. They prevented crowds from causing alarming wobbles. A report in 1904 deemed it beyond repair. It was replaced by a temporary bridge. Discussions about a permanent bridge dragged on for years. Eventually, the decision was made to build a road bridge.
In 1907, Auckland City Council considered two tenders. One was a cheaper steel structure. The other was a more expensive ferro-concrete option. The city engineer recommended the ferro-concrete design. He cited lower maintenance costs. Mayor Arthur Myers championed the concrete bridge. However, its cost of £31,918 led to it being called “Myers’ Folly”.
Construction of the Grafton Road Overbridge took two years. It opened in April 1910. The steep Grafton gully made construction difficult. The Ferro-Concrete Company even declared bankruptcy. This was likely due to contract terms. These terms withheld progress payments until the concrete arches were completed. Auckland City Council labour finished the work. The bridge crosses part of Symonds Street Cemetery. Only eight graves needed relocation during construction.
The Grafton Road Overbridge was claimed to have the biggest-span concrete arch in the world at opening. It features “false piers” for aesthetic strength. In 1910, two steam rollers drove across the bridge. This dispelled doubts about its strength. The original contract’s payment stipulations caused the construction company’s bankruptcy. The city completed the bridge at a final cost of about £33,000.
Maintenance costs were low initially. However, cracks appeared in 1936. A concrete chunk fell off. Repairs followed. The bridge then became exclusive to cars and pedestrians. Trucks and fire engines used longer routes to Auckland City Hospital.
Reinforcing repairs occurred in 1938. Steel trusses supported damaged areas. The octagonal openings were filled. These repairs cost £21,800. A weight limit was then imposed. US Forces’ trucks couldn’t cross during World War II. Further reinforcing took place in 1957.
The Grafton Road Overbridge underwent more reinforcement from late 2008 to October 2009. This was part of the Central Connector project. A $7 million carbon fibre strengthening upgrade improved earthquake standards. It became a dedicated route for buses. The bridge now handles up to 1200 bus trips daily. Its load-carrying capacity increased from 13 to 40 tonnes.
In October 2009, Mayor John Banks reopened the bridge. Transparent screens were installed on the footpaths in 2002. These prevented falls and provided weather cover. Suicide prevention barriers existed as early as 1936. They were replaced with mesh screens in 1957. These were removed in 1997. Suicides increased, leading to re-installation in 2002.
Originally, the Grafton Road Overbridge carried around 13,000 vehicles daily. Since 2009, it serves as a bus lane from 7 am to 7 pm. This prioritizes up to 1,500 daily bus trips.
The Grafton Road Overbridge stands as a symbol. It is a symbol of Auckland’s engineering heritage. It shows great engineering enterprise. It demonstrates brilliance of design. It remains a vital link in the city. It carries pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
So, next time you cross the Grafton Road Overbridge, remember its story. Remember the vision, the challenges, and the enduring legacy of “Myers’ Folly”. It is a pioneering structure that continues to serve Auckland.