Lovers Lane bridge replacement

  • Project typeImprovement work
  • Project value$1.9 million
  • Project scheduleEnd July 2023 - late 2024
  • Contractor nameCANAM
Concept design of the new bridge across Lovers Lane.

Whangārei’s newest bridge’s steel platform has been craned into place across the Waiarohia Stream behind the Central Library.

During months of preparations the old, concrete Lovers Lane to Second Avenue bridge and its centre-stream pier were removed. The ground behind the library has been strengthened with steel piles and tonnes of gravel to support the 250 tonne crane used to lift four new bridge piles, two precast bridge abutments and the platform into place.

Work has now begun on a boardwalk, Lovers Lane and paths linking the bridge to the Raumunga Shared Path on Second Avenue. This work will include style elements reflecting the culture, history and environment of the area.

While the work is being completed the bridge will remain closed with the work cordoned off, preventing access between:

  • Second Avenue and the Central Library,
  • Forum North and Te Iwitahi, and
  • other locations on Rust Avenue.

Detours are clearly marked. Access to Cafler Park from the end of First Avenue remains.

Map showing detour routes during replacement of Lovers Lane bridge.

Image: the red dotted line shows fencing within Cafler Park and surrounding areas, which are inaccessible. The dotted yellow line shows the preferred detour which is along Central Avenue into First Avenue. The solid yellow line shows a detour through the south side of Cafler Park, along a path with a steep gradient in one location.

What to expect

Noise and heavy machinery will be on-site during working hours.

Picture of the new Lovers Lane bridge being installed into place.

A beautiful new bridge

Te Parawhau hapū, Hawthorne Geddes Engineers and Boffa Miskell Landscape Architects, Canam Commercial Ltd and Culham Engineering have all collaborated on the project.

The bridge will reflect the culture, history and environment of the area. The aim is to create something meaningful and beautiful that people will go out of their way to see in future.

As part of the Raumanga shared path extension the bridge will be wider, giving users better views, and have higher sides to keep cyclists safe. Future Cafler Park upgrades will add to the picture over time.

The $1.9 million project has been funded through our Neighbourhood and Public Garden Renewals budget and Waka Kotahi’s Shared Paths funding.

Location

Cafler Park, Whangārei 0110  View Map

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