SH76 Brougham Street upgrade

Stage One - Brougham Street Bridge

4 December 2025

Images of the 80-tonne crawler crane

Strong foundations - a great place to start

We are about to start the first real stage of bridge building. Up until now, the work has focused on preparation, but from 9 December piling will begin. This is the crucial step that creates the strong foundations needed to support this new structure.

Each pile will be drilled up to 30 metres deep and 1.5 metres wide, forming a solid base for the bridge. To minimise disruption for nearby residents as much as we can, we’re using a specialist drilling method supported by bentonite fluid (a thick slurry made from natural clay and water). This approach stabilises the sides of the drilled holes, so they don’t collapse, which means significantly less noise and vibration compared to the traditional techniques of driving in steel casings.

This week you will see some impressive machinery arrive on site, including an 80-tonne crawler crane and a 100-tonne Liebherr piling rig.

In total, eight piles will be installed to anchor the bridge securely - starting with four on the Collins Street side before Christmas, and then four on the Simeon Street side after the Christmas break.

This lower-impact piling method ensures strong foundations while reducing disturbance for the community. It marks an important step towards delivering a safer, more efficient connection for everyone who travels through this busy part of the city.

What we’ve achieved so far

The Brougham Street upgrade is moving ahead at pace, and we’ve already ticked off some big milestones – the kind you might not see, but they make a huge difference. By strengthening the underground services now, we’ve increased the resilience of this area and reduced the need to dig up the road again in the future.

Here’s what’s been done so far:

• Safe crossing for pedestrians during construction – A temporary signalised crossing has been installed to keep people moving safely while we prepare for bridge construction.
• Wastewater improvements – 110 metres of new pipe installed, along with new property connections and manholes along Collins and Simeon Streets and under Brougham Street.
• Water supply upgrade – A new water main is in place, complete with hydrants and valves to keep things flowing.
• Power and lighting – New power cables and ducting for streetlights are ready for installation later in the project.
• Smart technology on the way – 80 percent of the Intelligent Transport Systems fibre optics are complete, including over 500 metres of trenching and eight pulling pits.
• Road building – The new centre median is halfway there.
• Telecommunications and power ducts complete – Enable and Chorus work is wrapped up, clearing the way for the next stage of bridge construction.
• Site ready for piling – Hoarding and platforms are in place for the big structural work ahead.

To date:

• Total hours worked: 10,500
• Total number of people inducted to work on the site: 300

These achievements are a major step towards creating a safer, more efficient route for everyone – whether you’re walking, cycling, scooting or driving.

Temporary crossing – Keeping everyone safe

The new pedestrian and cycle crossing on Brougham Street is now complete, making it safer and easier to cross while construction continues. The biggest change is that you now cross the street in one go, without stopping in the middle.

There is also a countdown timer, so you can see exactly how much time you have left to cross.

Extra safety features

• Radar sensors detect if people are waiting or still crossing.
• The crossing and work site are monitored by cameras, and the contractor has safety staff on site daily, especially at peak times.

What is happening around the work site?

Fencing and gates have been installed around the worksite on both sides on Brougham Street. Paths have been widened where possible. Line markings have been added – look out for the “slow down” snails.

We are also working closely with staff at the local schools to resolve any issues or concerns quickly.

How you can help
Please keep being patient and careful. If you see something unsafe or an incident occurs, let the staff on site know straight away so they can respond quickly.

These changes are all about making it easier and safer for pedestrians and cyclists to move through this area while construction is underway.

Principal Frank McManus with Suzie from Fulton Hogan lending a hand

Mulch Madness at Sacred Heart School

To make room for the new Brougham Street bridge, several trees and shrubs had to be removed. But something positive came from this change – the mulch from those trees has been put to good use at nearby Sacred Heart School.

Principal Frank McManus and a group of enthusiastic students wasted no time turning the delivery into a gardening workout. Together, they spread the mulch across the school gardens, giving them a fresh look and helping the plants thrive.

A win for the school gardens and a win for our contractors who made sure nothing went to waste!

Happy pedestrians use the Brougham Street Bridge by Elliot age 4

Adding colour to the fences

We will be working with local schools again in the lead-up to Christmas, bringing some creativity to the construction zone. We have asked the kids to take inspiration from the new bridge, safety, and construction to create artworks that we will use to brighten up the worksite fences - something colourful and fun for everyone passing by.

Keep an eye out for bold designs and creative ideas – coming soon.

Christmas shutdown

As the year draws to a close, we want to let you know about our holiday break. The last working day on site will be Friday 19 December 2025, and we will return on Monday 5 January 2026.

During the shutdown, some temporary traffic management will remain in place. The site will be tidied, and fences and road cones will be removed where it is safe to do so. Staff will be checking the site daily throughout the break.

If you notice anything that needs attention, please contact our contractor on -  

0800 ROAD FH (7623 34)

Thank you for your patience and understanding throughout this year’s work and as we continue into next year. We know roadworks, especially at night, are tiring and frustrating, so please know your cooperation and goodwill are appreciated and not taken for granted.

From all of us, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season and look forward to working with you in the New Year.

More information

For more information on the SH76 Brougham Street upgrade project, contact us at bm@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/sh76-brougham-upgrade