The soft opening of the new Beaumont Bridge was expected to be well supported on Sunday (July 30) but even Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency was surprised at the number of people who showed up to walk across the new link in the region’s road network.

More than 1,500 people showed up for the opportunity to walk the two-lane bridge spanning the Clutha River Mata-au, a replacement for a one-way wrought iron bridge built in 1887 that required frequent maintenance. 

Clutha mayor Bryan Cadogan said the old bridge had always been an economic prohibitor for the region, with wide loads having to bypass State Highway 8.

“It’s just another clear sign of the economic momentum that's coming in the district,” he said. 

The creative detailing on the bridge references a waka huia - a container to hold precious items - the swirling waters of the Mata-au, the flowers of the kowhai tree and the gold that drew diggers to the region. The designs and art were by Kāi Tahu artists Emma Kitson, Neil Pardington, and Keri Whaitiri.

“I love the artwork and what it symbolises for the future,” Bryan said. “The natural amalgamation of cultures that should just happen without it being a talking point.”

The bridge still needs to have its deck surfaced and is expected to open to traffic early this month, with a formal opening ceremony planned for December after landscaping takes place.

Member of Parliament for Southland Joseph Mooney said it was exciting to see the bridge almost completed.

“This will bring a great connection between regions,” he said.

Local Colin Hewitt and his wife Pat have the closest house to the bridge on the Beaumont side, and said the new bridge would be much quieter than the old, although he did not mind the “clackety-clack” of the old bridge.

“It’s an asset to us here in Beaumont,” he said.

Read more: Beaumont Bridge opens to pedestrians tomorrow