Where Is The Bridge To Nowhere In New Zealand? Exploring This Hidden Gem

The Bridge to Nowhere, an iconic arch bridge constructed in 1936, is located in the picturesque San Gabriel Mountains, just north of Azusa, California, within the United States. This remarkable bridge gracefully stretches across the East Fork of the San Gabriel River. It was originally intended to play a vital role in connecting the vibrant San Gabriel Valley with the charming town of Wrightwood, California, via a road network. However, despite its ambitious beginnings, the Bridge to Nowhere now stands as a symbol of both engineering marvel and abandonment, as the road project was never completed.

How can I reach the Bridge to Nowhere? There are two convenient routes to reach this iconic bridge site. The first option involves a leisurely 40-minute walk starting from Mangapurua Landing on the Whanganui River. However, it’s important to note that you’ll need boat transport to reach this starting point along the river. Alternatively, you can access the Bridge to Nowhere via the Mangapurua Track, which is accessible from either the Whakahoro or Ruatiti road ends. These access points provide different options for visitors to explore this historic landmark.

The fate of the infamous “Bridge to Nowhere” underwent a series of developments over the years. Initially, in 2005, Congress made the decision to eliminate the federal earmark designated for the bridge. However, the funding for this project persisted until March 2, 2011, when the House of Representatives passed H.R. 662, also known as the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011. This extension allowed the Bridge to Nowhere project to continue receiving financial support. It wasn’t until 2015 that the project was ultimately canceled, marking the end of the controversial saga surrounding its funding.