We're replacing Inga Bridge, Milford to improve safety

About the project

We are currently in the investigation stage of a project to replace the Inga Road Bridge due to its end-of-life status. This bridge is a crucial part of our infrastructure and provides an important connection to the marina in your community, so we are committed to ensuring it remains safe and functional for all users.

The project is in Milford, just north of the Milford Shopping Centre, where we are exploring the best options to ensure a successful outcome for the entire community.

While the bridge replacement will be a “like for like” bridge, we are still investigating the specific details to ensure it meets modern standards and community needs.

What we're planning

We’re planning to replace the Inga Road Bridge, which is 100 meters north of the Omana Road roundabout, with a new structure that maintains the same essential characteristics as the current bridge but incorporates necessary updates for safety and durability.

Project considerations include:

• Constructing a new bridge that will likely have the same dimensions and capacity as the existing one.
• Reviewing and implementing modern safety features such as guardrails, pedestrian access, lighting and road layout.
• Ensuring the new bridge meets current engineering standards for longevity and resilience.

We are working with key stakeholders, including nearby residents, local iwi and Mana Whenua, Auckland Council, the Local Board and Members of Parliament, to formulate this plan. Their input is crucial in ensuring the new bridge effectively serves the community.

Why we need to replace the bridge

Background: During routine inspections, the current bridge was identified as nearing the end of its life. Its replacement is necessary to maintain safe and reliable transportation in the area.

Purpose: This project aims to provide a safer, more reliable crossing for all users, addressing current issues such as structural wear and tear.

Why we initiated this project: Milford locals, the wider North Shore community, and Aucklanders need this bridge project to ensure continued safe and efficient travel across the region. The bridge is a vital link for local residents, businesses, and emergency services.

Important considerations: We are committed to minimising disruptions during construction and ensuring the new bridge meets the community’s needs. Environmental impacts and heritage considerations are also being carefully evaluated.

Benefits to the community

• Removing restrictions: We recently applied weight restrictions on the bridge, preventing heavy vehicles such as freight trucks from using it. We can remove the limits and increase capacity with a new bridge built.
• Improved safety: Enhanced safety features will reduce the risk of accidents and improve journey reliability for locals.
• Maintained capacity: We expect the new bridge will continue to maintain the same traffic capacity, ensuring no loss of service.
• Long-term reliability: The new bridge will be designed to last for many years, ensuring a reliable crossing.

Community impacts of the project

• Temporary disruptions: During construction, there may be traffic disruptions, journey delays and congestion, with vehicles redirected and following detours. But we will try to minimise this as much as possible.
• Changes to local access: Some local access points may be temporarily altered to accommodate the construction process.
• Noise: We expect noise during construction, as heavy machinery will be working near the mall, scenic reserves, and the marina.

What we want your thoughts on

We want to hear from you on how you use the bridge and to share any specific concerns you may have about the project.

Your input will help us refine the plans to meet the community’s needs better. Specifically, we want to know:

• Are there any features you want to see included in the new bridge? i.e. 2 lanes, a wider footpath, or what access there is during construction.
• Are you concerned about the construction process or its impact on your daily commute?
• Is there anything we’ve missed from your local knowledge/perspective?

Share your thoughts below or via email to us

Email us ATengagement@at.govt.nz (Subject Line: Inga Bridge Replacement). Or you can submit a question below and one of our team will contact you with updates.

Please subscribe to project updates on the panel on this page for the most up-to-date information.

Once we have preferred bridge designs, we will update the webpage and share them with the community to determine what works best for everyone involved.

We will also plan community engagement sessions to better inform locals about the bridge designs and timelines. Your thoughts are invaluable in helping us shape the final design and construction delivery.

What happens next

After the designs are ready, we will review all the concerns from the community and compile the final report, along with the final designs and changes made.

We are committed to keeping the community informed throughout the project and will hold several engagements to answer questions.

The final designs will be shared with the community, and construction is expected to begin in the next few years.