A new suspension bridge over the Whangaehu River is making the Te Araroa Trail safer and more enjoyable for walkers, thanks in part to support from Firstgas.
The 120-metre bridge, near Whanganui, has officially opened, providing an important new connection along New Zealand's 3,000-kilometre walking trail.
The bridge removes the need for walkers to travel 32 kilometres along roads, including sections of State Highway 3, allowing them to safely cross the Whangaehu River and follow a scenic coastal route instead.
Whangaehu River Bridge, Te Araroa Trail
Firstgas operates a nearby high-pressure gas transmission pipeline that supplies gas to the southern North Island, including Hawke's Bay, Palmerston North, Wellington and surrounding areas. Firstgas has had strong presence in the area recently, with major work on the Kaitoke Compressor Station upgrade and pipeline realignment project recently completed.
Firstgas Project Manager, Tim Lepper says supporting the Whangaehu bridge project was a great opportunity to make a positive contribution to the local community where Firstgas operates.
"We've been working in this area for some time, so it's great to be able to support a project that will make a real difference for people using the trail.
"Safety is an important part of everything we do at Firstgas, and it's great to see this new bridge providing a safer route for walkers while opening up access to more of the region's impressive coastline."
Whangaehu River Bridge, Te Araroa Trail
The bridge was officially opened at a celebration attended by mana whenua, local leaders, landowners and members of the community.
The project was made possible through the generosity of funders, landowners and the support of Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa.
Firstgas is proud to have contributed to a project that will benefit walkers and the wider community for years to come.
