Great news Grafton Bridge opened ahead of schedule

“It is great that Grafton Bridge is open this side of Christmas, three months ahead of schedule. This is a good outcome particularly when you consider the economic climate,” says Cameron Brewer, chief executive of the Newmarket Business Association.

“Today’s official opening of Grafton Bridge is timely indeed. The bridge is such an important lifeline and has been for 99 years - even longer when you consider the concrete bridge replaced a wooden footbridge.

“We are disappointed that private vehicles won’t be able to access it during week days, but we appreciate what the council’s trying to achieve. The Central Connector will be a great piece of 21st century public transport infrastructure for Auckland.”

When fully operational the Central Connector dedicated bus corridor will provide up to 65,000 Aucklanders each weekday with quicker, more reliable bus travel from the central city and Newmarket and key locations such as the Auckland University, Hospital and Domain.

“From tomorrow morning the Central Corridor will help promote buses as a viable means of transport to and from Newmarket. Up until now, many Aucklanders have only really considered the Link Bus.

“A more direct and dedicated busway which provides quicker and more frequent services is positive. Newmarket is fast becoming a key public transport hub. This direct bus route will be complemented by Newmarket’s new rail station from 18 January which will promote eight-minute express services to Britomart.

“The re-strengthened Grafton Bridge allows for the possibility of it one day carrying light rail. A pipe dream some people have is for trams to one day run from the Auckland Museum across Grafton Bridge and right down Ponsonby Road.

“Grafton Bridge is such a key link for us. We really missed it when it was closed for nearly a year. The contractors are to be congratulated on delivering the project well ahead of schedule and keeping it open for pedestrians and cyclists during construction.

Mr Brewer says also pleasing was the care the contractors took given they were working above and around the historic Symonds Street cemetery. New Zealand’s first Governor Captain William Hobson, who died in 1842, is buried under Grafton Bridge.

“The grave sites have seemingly gone undisturbed during this multi-million dollar project. My great-great-great grandparents Henry and Frances Brewer are buried under Grafton Bridge and I can report the contractors have respected what is a sacred and historic site.”

Cameron Brewer says some graves were removed in the 1900s when Grafton Bridge was being built. The 1905 Auckland Bridge And Borrowing Act granted the Auckland City Council power to disinter graves that were in the way of construction.

"A century ago the champion of Grafton Bridge, then Auckland Mayor Sir Arthur Myers, said the bridge symbolised a commitment to a Greater Auckland. One hundred years later, and with the Super City imminent, the bridge and all it stands for remains invaluable," says Mr Brewer.

ENDS

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