Work to start on tsunami escape footbridges

Construction is due to start today on the first three footbridges designed to become escape routes for Papamoa residents fleeing a tsunami.

The $200,000 earmarked for the project would allow up to six footbridges to be built across the Wairakei Stream, with the rest due to go in early next year.

Each bridge was a minimum of 3m wide and will form a vital link along Civil Defence evacuation corridors for those who felt their chances of survival were better served by leaving their cars at home.

The bridges will mostly be sited east of Domain Rd.