Tūrangi’s ‘Harbour bridge’ to be replaced
The Major Jones Bridge is more than 70 years old. PHOTO: DAN HUTCHINSON
Work is set to begin on a replacement for the Major Jones swing bridge over the Tongariro River in Tūrangi.
By Dan Hutchinson
The 71-year-old bridge was built by army cadets in 1955 and has been badly damaged twice since then by storms.
It is “no longer fit for purpose” says the Department of Conservation.
Construction will begin on Monday with Department of Conservation managing the project, in partnership with Ngāti Tūrangitukua, Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board, and Te Kotahitanga o Ngāti Tūwharetoa.
Tongariro River Motel owner Ross Baker has been looking forward to the new bridge and says he has been sending DOC reminders on a regular basis that work was meant to start in February.
“Wellington has its tunnels, Auckland has its harbour bridge, and we have a footbridge but it’s just as important to us.”
Major Jones Bridge is a prominent structure on the Tongariro River Trail, located a short distance from the Koura Street entrance in Tūrangi.
DOC Taupō operations manager Dave Conley says the new bridge will honour the look of the existing bridge, with steel cable supports and a timber deck.
“The new bridge will be about 15cm wider than its predecessor, allowing easier use for cyclists, anglers, walkers, and other recreational users alike.”
Construction is set to occur between April 20 and September 30 2026, with progress depending on weather conditions.
Ngāti Tūrangitukua Charitable Trust Chair Lauren Fletcher says the Tongariro River is an important taonga to all of Ngāti Tūwharetoa.
“As it flows through our hapū we take our roles as tangata tiaki seriously, and we are looking forward to the construction of the bridge to ensure the safety of all manuhiri who are in our rohe.”
Dave says the existing bridge and Tongariro River Trail will generally remain open for the public during the construction period.
“We’ll be doing our best to minimise disruption, but there will be some noise, and temporary windows of closure to ensure visitor safety. Follow instructions from the crew on site to keep yourself and others safe.”
Construction will require some vegetation clearance, tree removal, and earthworks. The site will be rehabilitated in the 2027 planting season with weed control already underway to give new plantings the best chance of survival. No in-stream work is required.
Hugely popular and loved by both locals and visitors, the Tongariro River Trail offers naturing adventures including walking, biking, and access to world-class fly-fishing pools.
The trail has about 50,000 visitors a year, and the new suspension bridge will “enhance safety, visitor experience, resilience, and ensure ongoing access for another 50 years”.
The old bridge will hang around until the new one is built next to it. PHOTO: DOC