Significant earthworks can be seen on both sides of the Hangaroa River at the St Leger Bridge rebuild.
Significant earthworks can be seen on both sides of the Hangaroa River at the St Leger Bridge rebuild.
More than 75% of local bridge repairs are complete, as Gisborne District Council’s bridge repair and rebuild programme continues at pace.
More than 130 bridges were damaged and eight were lost during Cyclone Gabrielle and other weather events, 97 requiring major structural repairs and 36 with minor fixes.
The rebuildof St Leger Bridge in Tiniroto was well under way and another three rebuilds would start before winter next year.
Mayor Rehette Stoltz said this work was critical to reconnecting local communities and the region’s economic growth.
“Our rural communities and industry depend on our bridges as lifelines and our transport network is only as resilient as our bridges,” Stoltz said.
“Cyclone Gabrielle ravaged our bridges and one by one, the council recovery team and local contractors have worked tirelessly to get on top of these repairs.
“I’m proud of our recovery effort so far and I know affected whānau are too.”
Makarika Bridge near Ruatōria was a focal point this month.
Currie Construction, Blackbees, Downer and CR Taylor all combined in the effort to remove the Makarika Bailey Bridge and reopen the bridge on the same day.
A successful collaboration between multiple local contractors involved removing the bailey bridge and reopening the bridge on the same day.
Littleworths Bridge on Pehiri Rd was also completed after significant repairs required the road to be closed for more than three weeks.
Weeks of road closures were required to repair Littleworths Bridge on Pehiri Rd. The site is pictured before repair work began (above) and after repairs were completed (below).
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Crews are also working their way through repairs on Mangaheia Bridges 1, 3 and 4 on Tauwhareparae Rd.
“We are grateful to our local communities and local industry for their partnership and patience as we work through our programme,” Stoltz said.
Bridge rebuild programme on track
The rebuild of St Leger Bridge in Tiniroto was progressing steadily.
Earthworks on the new western approach were well advanced, while sheet piling had been completed to support the eastern abutment.
The first concrete pour on the abutment piles was carried out last week and the installation of the temporary staging bridge across the river had also started.
The construction contract for Mata (Huiarua) Bridge near Tokomaru Bay had been awarded and the rebuild would begin in January.
Procurement for Gray’s Bridge in Kanakanaia was to close in December and Pauariki Bridge in Uawa was in the design phase.
