The new Ōpaoa River Bridge took two years to complete. A blessing ceremony has marked the completion of the new $22.7 million Ōpaoa River Bridge. BRYA INGRAM/STUFF A detail of the new carved pou whenua at Ōpaoa Bridge. The Ōpaoa River has been a landmark on a major travel and trading route for centuries. The historic Ōpaoa River Bridge, also known as the banana bridge, was too narrow for some vehicles, but also vulnerable to earthquakes and susceptible to damage from heavy floods.

Source: Stuff November 28, 2020 22:29 UTC