Bridges that helped shape a suburb
Paremata’s road and rail bridges have been a source of frustration for Porirua residents and commuters.
A 2002 photograph sent to Kapi-Mana News by Bob Fisk of the road bridge shows what appears to be a simpler time for road users.
The new, four-laned bridge was two years away and issues like clearways were not yet on the radar.
Taken from 12 metres up on the northern side of the bridge, it is actually four photos stitched together.
When we put the photograph on the Kapi-Mana News Facebook page, responses were generally that traffic congestion has increased in 15 years.
‘‘Cars have just multiplied on the road,’’ said Rocky Jay Thompson.
‘‘I say let’s give up commuting from ‘A’ and start walking, cycling and running to ‘B’.’’
Tracey Steel said traffic to Paremata and Whitby, off the Paremata roundabout, caused chaos.
While Matt Pollock said the older bridge looked ‘‘cleaner’’ than what was there now.
The question that will soon be answered is: Once Transmission Gully is completed, will congestion, which builds heavily during peak times and over weekends, drop away? Only time will tell. The first bridge began life in 1885 as a railway route - the road north at that time travelled through Pauatahanui and over Paekakariki Hill.
The rail link encouraged Wellingtonians to come to places like Plimmerton and created the phenomenon of the ‘‘weekender’’ - people who lived in Wellington but had baches around the Porirua Harbour.
The road bridge, which ran alongside the rail bridge, opened on October 3, 1936, saving motorists a trip around Pauatahanui Inlet. More than 2000 people attended the opening.
‘‘It is nearly 30 years since agitation commenced for shorter access to Plimmerton and surrounding areas,’’ The Evening Post said at the time.
‘‘Paremata Bridge is a tonic for every citizen.’’
In the mid 1950s, work began on straightening out the road and railway line from Porirua to Paremata as part of the electrification and duplication of the line
An upgraded bridge was opened in 1960.
Another bridge was built 60 metres to the west for rail only - but not without drama, as a crane tumbled into the water during construction.
The first bridge began life in 1885 as a railway route - the road north at that time travelled through Pauatahanui and over Paekakariki Hill.