Calum on Raasay, the Bailey Bridge, & Māngere New Zealand?
The history of the Bailey Bridge, like one that got West Aucklanders to the airport for several years.
The history of the Bailey Bridge
Great to see this history of the Bailey Bridge by Calum. He says 'it started as a quick look' inspired by a Bailey Bridge on his home island—Raasay—and already having the War Office Bailey Bridge Manuals on hand.
But (in his own words) ' I ended up getting lost in the subject some somewhat', so it is his usual in-depth, fascinating, history.
The Simple Bridge That Won WWII - Calum on Raasay
The Māngere (Bailey) Bridge
Although not 'that old' I was familiar with Bailey Bridges due to a bizarre use in Auckland NZ.
One of the main routes to our International Airport had a tired ferro-concrete bridge, linking Onehunga and Coronation Rd in Māngere, that was in service longer than planned early 1980s replacement date. Delays due to industrial action, boilermakers, and construction issues delayed the replacement State Highway 20 (SH20) bridge's opening for several years.
They became so concerned about the deterioration of the old bridge Bailey Bridges were added on top to take the load. For about 3 years every trip to the airport was part rattle, rattle, over the planks on the Bailey Bridge.
Robyn Martin
The 'new' SH20 Cycle Path
The new SH20 bridge included an underslung cycle path, progressive for the time, but it was a confined grim space that soon became one to be avoided. Most, including me, still used the old bridge which was left in place for pedestrians, cyclists and fishing.
Māngere Bridge Demolished
The old bridge deteriorated further, to the point where it was closed entirely and demolished for replacement. With no alternative crossing part of the construction project requirement was 24/7 security staffing and video monitoring on the underslung SH20 bridge cycle path.
It was cleaned up (as seen above), lit properly, and became OK to use but the operating cost must have been huge. Several staff were needed to cover the length of it due to the incident response time.
Construction of the replacement bridge
Ngā Hau Māngere: a place for people
When the 'new' Ngā Hau Māngere bridge opened, they closed the SH20 bridge path. This lovely structure now serves pedestrians & cyclists as a harbour crossing, and as a platform for fishers. What was once a place for traffic has become an impressive community space in constant use.
