Bell Bridge replacement in Central Park

Construction work to replace Central Park’s Bell Bridge will begin in July 2024. Works are expected to take two months.

Engineer's diagram of Bell Bridge, showing the structural design of the bridge's arch.

Construction work on Bell Bridge in Central Park, Brooklyn will be starting in July 2024.  

It has been closed for over a year due to structural issues. 

This work will involve removing all the current timber structures, repairing the concrete arch, and then building the new timber elements. Some of the timber work will be done off-site before it is installed. 

Map of Central Park showing the closure of the North route, and the alternative path slightly South.

Once site works are underway, a section of the City to Sea walkway (under the bridge) will be closed. Park visitors and walkway users should use Lime Tree Path and the Playground track (adjacent to the bridge) to pass the work site.

Background 

Originally built in 1914, the bridge is in Central Park, within the Wellington Town Belt that was established in 1840 by The New Zealand Company. It leads across Moturoa Stream, and is in close proximity to the City to Sea walkway.   

Though it does not have historical protection or status, we have decided to replicate Bell Bridge’s original look and style while complying with modern building regulations. 

The bridge was closed to the public in 2023, due to rot in the timber frame and weak handrails that were found during a scheduled engineer's inspection. 

Contact us

Got a question? Get in touch with our Trails & Reserve specialist via Tim.Harkness@wcc.govt.nz  

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