Story: Bridges and tunnels

As Hamilton developed on both sides of the Waikato River, there was a need for a series of bridges to facilitate easy movement between the central city on the west (left) and Hamilton East (right). Three bridges are visible – Victoria bridge at centre right, the railway bridge (which now sits alongside the Claudelands road bridge) beyond it, and the Fairfield bridge in the distance. City growth was a common incentive for bridge-building – especially in Christchurch, Whanganui and Hamilton.