The Waikato Council is planning to replace the one-way bridge on Wainui Rd. The draft Long Term Plan (LTP) of the Waikato District Council shows the bridge across the Opotoru Estuary being replaced in 2023 with a new bridge budgeted to cost six million dollars. The Plan says that going ahead with the bridge will be a ‘significant decision’ to be made in 2021 and that the principal alternative is, ‘Project does not proceed’. The Council is basing its planning for Raglan on a population forecast which shows almost no growth.
The current one-way bridge across the Opotoru Estuary opened in 1955. Many Raglanders like pausing for traffic in the other direction to clear on the one-way bridge. In a memorable letter to the Raglan Chronicle, Raglan muso Dave Maybee said it was great to pause to enjoy the view of Karioi and the estuary. A few years ago, the Waikato Council installed traffic lights in the bridge. These were disconnected by some Raglanders and thrown off the bridge.
Last October Raglan Community Board surveyed residents on priorities for the town. The only mention of the Wainui Bridge was a suggestion for a guard rail to be installed. The full survey had these results: (http://waidc.govt.nz/Documents-Library/Files/Your-Council/Minutes-2014-(1)/141111_RCB_Raglan-Community-Board—Survey-Results.aspx) –
Council watchdog John Lawson says that the five top priorities for Raglan found in the survey were:
- 237 Continued development of footpaths in Raglan
- 185 A heated swimming pool
- 158 Additional areas for parking in the CBD
- 143 A new footpath from Whale Bay to Manu Bay
- 135 Public transport – increase bus services to & from Hamilton
So we can all put in informed submissions, please share your thoughts and findings about the plans at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QMUGeSfxXans3LW48kE-lWfP6RSFIlMk82nKdhz1f6w/edit?usp=sharing