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New Bridge Opened
The new William Pettie Bridge was officially opened on Saturday, November 9. The five-span, 270ft bridge reconnects the suburbs of Whataupoko and Kaiti after a spell of 14 years for vehicular traffic and four years for pedestrians.
With a carriageway width of 36ft and a handrail width of 48ft the bridge, with approaches included, cost a total of $232,254.
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The first picture taken of the first vehicle to cross the new bridge shows Wayne Crosby taking the honour.
Mr B. Rope speaking on behalf of the contractors at the opening.
After the Mayor, Mr H. H. Barker, had declared the bridge open, Mrs Barker cut the ceremonial ribbon.
Holding what in future will be an historic artifact are Chris and John McIntyre and Jillian Penny. It is the ribbon from the opening.