The next step in connecting cyclists and walkers between Ōmokoroa and Pahoia will be taken this week, as construction of a new suspension bridge gets underway.

Part of the Western Bay of Plenty District Council's Pahoia cycleway project, the bridge crosses Waipapa Stream, connecting Prole Road to Pahoia when completed later this year.

Situated just downstream of the existing railway bridge, the new bridge will be 72 metres long and nearly 2 metres wide, allowing for cyclists and pedestrians to comfortably share the trail.

The traditional suspension bridge design uses towers on either side of the Waipapa Stream, connected by tensioned wire cables.

Council's reserves and facilities projects and assets manager Scott Parker says the goal is for people to ride or walk from Ōmokoroa to Pahoia, without having to navigate State Highway 2.

'We're keen to help our avid cyclists and walkers to safely discover the Western Bay, and this new bridge is a key link in our long-term strategy to connect a trail from Ōmokoroa to Katikati and onto Waihi.

'I'd like to acknowledge the neighbouring property owners, KiwiRail, Ngāti Hauā and Piriraku hapū - their support was crucial in getting the cycleway off the ground.”

Pirirakau hapū have also supplied designs for the cultural displays and design acknowledging the history of the area.

The final steps will be to complete the trail connecting the new bridge to Pahoia Road, following KiwiRail approval and confirmed funding.

Although exciting, Scott asks that people please stay away from the construction site.

'Until the project is finished, the site isn't accessible to the public. Please keep to existing routes for now.”

The new bridge is funded by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and construction is expected to be complete in late 2021.