New Hamilton bridge to Peacocke fully open
Sunday, 8 September 2024
Traffic is flowing on Hamilton’s latest bit of infrastructure with Te Ara Pekapeka Bridge now fully open.
The blessing and naming of the bridge was held on August 30, and it’s been open to pedestrians and cyclists since a public open day on Saturday.
The bridge has four lanes, including Hamilton’s first T2, which allows for vehicles with two or more people to use.
The speed limit on the bridge and Kairokiroki Drive will be 60kph and surrounding roads 40kph.
It also has separate walking and cycling areas.
Included in the project is 1.6km of new roads, a roundabout, signalised intersection, rural road upgrades and three waters infrastructure.
Te Ara Pekapeka Bridge is the name gifted to the city by mana whenua, which means pathway of the bat.
The structure of the bridge has ensured lighting doesn’t interfere with the bats’ flight path, and landscape planting encourages the bat flight paths above traffic routes or along the river beneath the bridge.
Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate said the bridge is a critical gateway to a “fabulous and important” new part of the city.
“It also provides a well-connected transport network linking to our central city and key routes.
“The Peacocke area is one of Hamilton’s largest greenfield areas and our biggest-ever investment in environment restoration.”
Peacocke is being built with the support from the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, made up of a $180.3 million 10-year interest-free loan and $110.1 million of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi subsidies.
When completed, Peacocke will be home for up to 20,000 Hamiltonians.