The long-awaited Upokongaro cycle and pedestrian bridge over the Whanganui River has finally opened.
The Upokongaro Cycle Bridge is opened. Photo: Robin Martin / RNZ
Connecting State Highway 4 to the outer suburbs of Whanganui, the $2.5 million bridge is the last leg of the Mountains to Sea cycle route.
After being required to go back to the consultation phase after the passing of the Te Awa Tupua (Whanganui River Settlement) Act in 2017, the bridge sat in a paddock from late 2018.
Whanganui mayor Hamish McDouall said the council had learned a lot from the process and it was fantastic to see the bridge finally completed.
About 200 people crossed the bridge after formalities this afternoon.