Bridge Street (Eltham)

One of the better-known stories about Eltham is that it’s where New Zealand’s first tar-sealed roads were laid. The idea was suggested by a local businessman, to overcome a problem on Bridge Street.

In Eltham’s earliest days the central business district was established near the railway line. Later, as roads improved, commercial premises were built along the main road. For a long time the two areas were divided by the Mangawharawhara Stream and its steep banks. When a low, narrow foot-bridge was built across it to provide access, the street was named Bridge Street.

The population of Eltham continued to grow and a better bridge was soon needed. In 1897, a large culvert was placed over the stream and a bridge built over it. This raised the level of the road, however constant maintenance was required because the road metal would sink into the winter mud around the stream. Eltham businessman Charles Wilkinson found the solution.

On a visit to the United States in 1902, he learned of the road laying technique known as ‘tar-seal’. He knew the method would be well suited to Eltham because of its problems with drainage.

Convinced of its benefits by Wilkinson, the Eltham Borough Council called for tenders in 1906, to tar-seal Bridge Street, between High Street and Railway Street, and part of Main Street. A local roading contractor won the job and the work was completed for £1039. These would be the first tar-sealed streets in New Zealand.

In 1907 a large fire destroyed buildings along the main road at the intersection with Bridge Street. An extension, known as Bridge Street East, was subsequently developed through to Bedford Street.

Bridge Street had been named for its early, inadequate, bridges. Such are the improvements, today few even realise the street crosses a stream.

This story was originally published in the Taranaki Daily News.