victoria bridge upgrade

The Stratford District Council has commenced work on upgrading the Victoria Bridge.

“At the southern end of Broadway is a bridge that most people would drive over without even realising it was a bridge,” says Operations Manager John Jones.

“The present bridge was opened in 1924 and functions perfectly as a bridge, but not so well as a scenic viewpoint,” he says. “The Patea is a beautiful river which, at present, you cannot see clearly from the bridge.”

The Stratford District Council has commenced work to replace sections of the concrete parapets with stainless steel railings. These will be as safe as the concrete parapets but will allow the Patea River and the trees along the banks to be viewed by walkers-by.

“The columns that support the railings and the remaining concrete parapet wall will have concrete stonework like that at the roundabouts,” John says, “continuing the theme that has been used along Broadway.”

“We are grateful to the TET for funding that allows us to complete this project.”

The work is expected to be completed by the end of April, with minimal impact on traffic.