The new Papahua Footbridge Bridge connecting the Raglan township with Kopu Reserve is proving to be a night-time landmark. The bridge has embedded low energy lighting which illuminates the hand rails in shades of paua and additional lighting floodlights the supporting piers. The bridge also has port and starboard navigation lights for boats marking the main channel.
The new bridge opened on Thursday and is already well used and admired by locals and visitors. The $3.1 million bridge was designed by Aurecon and built by HEB Structures for the Waikato District Council. The bridge was dubbed the ‘love bridge’ by HEB as some of their workers fell in love while working on the bridge. It is wider than the old bridge and allows pedestrians and cyclists to pass on the bridge.