Te Ara Pekapeka Bridge and surrounding transport network

What we're doing

A key part of a wider transport network planned for the Peacocke neighbourhood, the new bridge over the Waikato River, is set to open in mid-2024.

The bridge features:

• four lanes, including two transit lanes
• separate pedestrian and bike paths
• a span of 95-110m over the Waikato River
• no piers in the river, and a single Y-shaped pillar on the south bank of the river, supporting a flat bridge deck spanning more than 200m
• a pedestrian bridge on the northern side of the river
• lighting and structural features to minimise the impact on the native long-tailed bats and the surrounding environment, both during construction and when it is operational.

The surrounding transport network features:

• a 1.6km extension to Wairere Drive from the new bridge
• urban upgrades to Weston Lea Drive and Peacockes Road to accommodate traffic and footpaths
• a network of underpasses, separated bike paths, and roads that prioritise buses and other public transport
• a two-lane, four-way roundabout at the intersection of Wairere Drive extension and Peacockes Road
• a signalised intersection at Peacockes Road and Weston Lea Drive
• relocated and newly installed utility services to cater for growth
• new stormwater, wastewater, and water supply pipes.

Why we're doing it

Peacocke and up to 20,000 future residents will need good connections to the rest of the city and the wider region. The new bridge and the new pedestrian- bike- and public transport-friendly road network provides this integration of Peacocke into Hamilton.