Panmure Bridge

Panmure Bridge

Did you know before the Panmure bridge was built a punt was used to get
people across the Tamaki river.

A punt is a small boat operated by 2 people on each side of the river, you
would pay a toll to get across the river.The problem with the punt was that it
could not be used in bad weather and was hard work for the people operating it.

In the 1864 construction began to build the first Panmure Bridge. This was
needed because of the growing population, and to help the farmers  transport
produce across the Tamaki River.

It was constructed from Totara and kauri wood and was a swing bridge. This
bridge was opened in 1865.

Because of the heavy transport carrying goods across, cracks began to
appear and the bridge wasn't safe.In 1916  the 2nd bridge was built. To build
this bridge iron was bought in from Sydney and Kauri wood was also used.

By 1957 the 2nd bridge was no longer safe and construction began to build
the 3rd panmure bridge which was made with concrete and iron. This bridge
was opened in 1959.

Bridges are an important way for people and goods to be transported over
water. The 3rd Panmure Bridge is the bridge we still use today.