New Brighton Bridge

The first bridge across the Avon River at New Brighton was built in 1887 by the Tramway Board.  It was a wooden bridge which enabled the horse drawn trams to travel from town and later the steam tram. 

The first electric tram ran in April 1905.

In the days when shipping was a means of transport on the Avon, a large jetty was built running from the bridge down to Beresford Street.  The water was crystal clear and much deeper than it is today and coastal boats of 100 tons laden with timber and coal brought full loads from the West Coast to the Beresford Wharf.  The first paddle steamer to sail the Avon was the “Alma” which grounded on the bar in 1856.  The ketch “Catherine” visited New Brighton in 1894.  This craft brought timber from the Catlins for the New Brighton bridge.  Shipping continued for many years on the river.  On the other side of the river stood the New Brighton Sailing and Motor Boat Club building which was built in 1889.

Owing to increased traffic it was agreed by Local Body Governments in 1926 that a new bridge was imperative.  After many years of arguing over the height of the bridge, it was finally built in 1930.