Grafton Bridge, Heritage road bridge in Auckland Region, New Zealand
Grafton Bridge is a reinforced concrete road bridge in the Auckland Region that crosses Grafton Gully to link the city center with the Grafton neighborhood. The structure accommodates vehicles, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians, with transparent safety screens protecting those on foot.
The bridge opened in April 1910 and was the world's largest reinforced concrete arch span at that time. It represented a major breakthrough in engineering technique and construction methods.
The name Te Piriti o Grafton in te reo Māori reflects the bridge's role as a connector across the valley. Local residents and commuters experience it daily as a vital passage between different parts of the city.
Pedestrians and cyclists have dedicated areas with transparent protective screens for safety during crossings. The bridge provides straightforward access across the valley at any time.
The design uses false piers that appear thicker than necessary, creating visual strength through architectural illusion. This clever technique allowed engineers to use thinner vertical members while maintaining the appearance of solidity.
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