A popular, century-old Auckland fishing spot is set to disappear when the Old Mangere Bridge is permanently closed due to safety risks later this month.
The NZ Transport Agency says the footbridge, which links the Onehunga and Mangere Bridge communities, will be closed from Sunday, November 25.
"The Old Mangere Bridge is more than 100 years old and, as expected with a bridge of this age, its condition has been deteriorating for some time," said Director of Regional Relationships Steve Mutton.
"We understand the Old Mangere Bridge is a much loved and a very popular meeting and fishing place that has linked the Onehunga and Mangere Bridge communities for more than a century and we have not taken this decision lightly," he added.
The NZ Transport Agency said it has worked hard to keep the geriatric bridge safe for people to use, but the agency will now instead focus on improving the nearby alternative route across the harbour.
Plans are also in place for a permanent new bridge.
"We are upgrading the underpass next to the Manukau Harbour Crossing motorway structure, which has a walking and cycling track under the road deck," Mr Mutton said.
"This will be the alternative route connecting the Onehunga and Mangere Bridge communities until the replacement bridge is built."
The Transport Agency is also keen to hear from the community about good alternative fishing spots in the area that it could promote.
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