Hamilton's Fairfield Bridge
A DigitalNZ Story by Zokoroa
Images of the Fairfield Bridge on the Waikato River at Hamilton
This story captures the construction of the distinctive arches of Fairfield Bridge in Hamilton, and the ways in which the Bridge has been used for transport and recreational pursuits. According to Turkish writer Mehemt Murat ildan, "Bridges symbolise change and flexibility. They show us this simple philosophy: When you are on one side, you can easily move to the other side." (Goodreads.com) "The wisdom of bridges comes from the fact that they know the both sides, they know the both shores!" (Goodreads.com)
Fairfield Bridge is one of six bridges over the Waikato River at Hamilton
Fairfield Bridge and Waikato River, Hamilton, N.Z.
University of Waikato
Construction started on 6 Aug 1934 by the Roose Shipping Co. construction crew
Fairfield Bridge
Hamilton City Libraries
Construction crew's birds-eye view atop an arch of Fairfield Bridge overlooking the Waikato River & northern Hamilton
Fairfield Bridge
Hamilton City Libraries
It spans from Victoria Street, on the west side, to River Road, on the east bank of the Waikato River
Hamilton from above
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
The ferro-cement bowstring arch design is by Stanley Jones of Jones and Adams, Auckland based consulting engineers
Fairfield
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
it was built by the Waikato County Council to provide northern access to Hamilton's commercial area & Frankton
Fairfield Bridge
Hamilton City Libraries
The Fairfield Bridge also aided access by those living in the adjacent farming areas of Waipa and Waikato Counties
Rural touch to pleasant riverside scene by the Fairfield Bridge, Hamilton
Auckland Libraries
Victoria is southern bridge & Fairfield the northern bridge. Claudelands (middle) was a railway bridge from 1884-1960s.
Aerial of Hamilton
Hamilton City Libraries
The Fairfield Bridge's three arches are 70 cms wide, 40m long & 7.9m high
Fairfield Bridge under construction
Hamilton City Libraries
The arches and spans are made from reinforced concrete. The balustrades are pierced in a geometric pattern.
Fairfield Bridge under construction
Hamilton City Libraries
The Bridge is 139 metres long and the road is 6.1 m wide. Length was the largest In NZ at that time for concrete bridge.
Fairfield Bridge
Hamilton City Libraries
The footpaths on both sides of the Bridge are 1.5m wide. Art Deco lamp standards are sited near each arch.
Fairfield Bridge Whole View Corrected from Raw
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Fairfield bridge Hamilton - under construction
Hamilton City Libraries
Fairfield Bridge under construction
Hamilton City Libraries
Fairfield bridge
Hamilton City Libraries
During the building of the foundations, an excavator uncovered a burial cave in the bank of the Waikato River
Fairfield Bridge Hamilton
University of Waikato
Ngāti Te Ao occupied Whatanoa Pa, sited near the Waikato Stadium, and Waitawhiriwhiri Pa above Fairfield Bridge
New traffic bridge spanning the Waikato River at Hamilton: an aerial picture
Auckland Libraries
Fairfield Bridge completed 1 March & opened 25 March 1937 by Minister of Public Works, Robert Semple. Cost was £26,000.
Last pjeekend"a new; ferro-co'ncrete bridge, costing £26,000, was opened at Hamilton by the Hon. R. Sample, 'Minister of Public' Works. The photogr...
National Library of New Zealand
During annual 'Round the Bridges' 12 km 'Fun' race, runners & walkers cross over the Fairfield and Cobham bridges
Round the Bridges 1947
Hamilton City Libraries
Motorcycle stunt rider arrested 2009 for riding on arches of the Fairfield Bridge. Skateboarder later spotted in 2018.
Man charged over Hamilton bridge stunt
Radio New Zealand
Travelling beneath the Bridge
Scenic craft like MV Waipa Delta paddle-steamer, which was built in 1985 & cruised Waikato River for nearly 25 years
Hamilton City Libraries
Fishing from small boats
Smooth waters of the Waikato River: a view of Fairfield Bridge where it spans the river north of Hamilton
Auckland Libraries
Trout in excellent condition caught at Fairfield Bridge, Hamilton
Auckland Libraries
Fairfield Bridge was registered as 'Historic Place Category I' with New Zealand Historic Places Trust on 30 Aug 1990
Fairfield Bridge
Hamilton City Libraries
Find out more:
Hamilton City Council: “Nga Tapuwae O Hotumauea”: Maori landmarks on riverside reserves. Management Plan, April 2003.
Heritage New Zealand. Fairfield Bridge. https://www.heritage.org.nz/the-list/details/4161
NZHerald: Belinda Feek: "Skateboarder's massive stunt fail on Hamilton's Fairfield Bridge." 28 Feb 2018
Wikipedia: Fairfield Bridge: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairfield_Bridge