Clifden Suspension Bridge, Suspension bridge in Southland District, NZ
The Clifden Suspension Bridge crosses the Waiau River with a main span that was the longest in New Zealand when completed. The structure features concrete towers designed to look like stone pillars and is supported by 27 steel cables.
The bridge was built in 1899 and replaced a ferry service that early settlers had used to cross. After many decades of service, it was updated and reopened in 2013 for pedestrian use only.
A plaque on the north side commemorates local soldiers who died in World War I, reflecting how the structure holds meaning for people in the area. This reminder is part of how communities mark their shared history.
You can reach it from State Highway 99, about 16 kilometers north of Tuatapere. The bridge is now only for pedestrians, so wear good shoes and expect a short walk to the structure itself.
The deck was built using heart totara wood and Australian hardwood, materials that were chosen for their strength and durability. These timbers give the bridge a distinctive character that reflects the building methods of the time.
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