Ohinemuri Suspension Bridge
Built for the Department of Conservation in 2018, this bridge spans 70m across the Karangahake River and weighs a total of 16 tonnes. Made up of six 12 metre long segments, the bridge provided quite a challenge to the construction team.
The bridge was built alongside the existing suspension bridge which accommodates thousands of visitors annually, working areas were tight, and access to the other side of the river was very restricted. Foundations consisted of drilled and grouted steel rock anchors, 3.6m high steel reinforced concrete columns, and 15m3 steel reinforced concrete deadman on each side of the river.
MAP’s in-house Temporary Works Designer and Project Manager developed a unique method of installing the cables and lifting each section of bridge structure into place; safely, efficiently, and without damaging the brittle galvanised coatings.
Due to exhaustive planning, off site trials, and excellent team work, installation of the structure was completed without issue. The onsite installation taking less than 2 weeks to complete.
The whole team contributed to the great outcome for DOC which will have enduring benefits to the local community and visitors alike.