Rust Av bridge taking shape

Work on a million-dollar bridge in central Whangarei took a large step forward with major structural work successfully completed.

Concrete abutments weighing 39 tonnes were craned into place on top of piles at both ends of the new Rust Ave bridge yesterday. Laying of pre-fabricated concrete beams between the abutments will start next week.

"This is a very important stage because a lot of the work done so far has been re-routing pipes and developing the area," said Whangarei District Council spokeswoman Ann Midson.

"From now on we'll see the bridge actually being built."

The new single span bridge - 50 per cent funded by the New Zealand Transport Agency, and 25 per cent by both the WDC and Northern Regional Councils - is expected to be completed in March, in order to help alleviate flooding in the CBD.

The old two-span bridge, constructed in 1927, had a central pillar in the middle of the Waiarohia Stream, which combined with a large conduit carrying pipes and cables across the stream, made it a significant flood point.

"Debris caught up around the pillar and pipe could clog the flow of water during major storms and overflow, flooding the central business district," Ms Midson said.

Construction workers started dismantling the old bridge after the western end of Rust Avenue was closed on January 3, and Ms Midson said the project should be completed on time.

Development of the area surrounding the bridge for the past two months has included relocation of water pipes, Telecom fibre optic, and sewer pipes and installation of the piles.

Ninety per cent of this work had gone to local contractors and suppliers, Ms Midson said.

United Civil Construction Ltd are the main contractors undertaking the demolition and construction works.

The abutments have been prefabricated by local company Paneltech Construction Ltd (a subsidiary of United Civil) and the bridge beams and barriers will be prefabricated by Busck Prestresed Concrete Ltd.

The bridge will remain closed to all vehicles until work is completed. There is a temporary footbridge for pedestrians.

Signs advising that the bridge is closed have been placed at either side of the bridge on Rust Ave and on Western Hills Drive and Bank St.

"We ask people to think ahead to the benefits while this work is being done and to plan their routes ahead of schedule," said WDC roading manager Jeff Devine.