X-blocks placed at Horokiwi.

A big year ahead for Te Ara Tupua

Happy New Year. Our teams have restarted work and taking full advantage of the weather and tides.

We are seeing signs of healthy algae growth on the ecological x-blocks and rock revetments along Te Ara Tupua which shows that the rocky shore ecosystem is thriving.

Our team are also starting the first stage of work on one of the most challenging features of this project; the shared path bridge over the rail line. The bridge will be 211 metres long and its design needed to take into account the railway, overhead electrical lines and the proximity of the Wellington fault line. It's an exciting part of the project for the team to begin.

Finally, we have the shared path detour going through the Rowing Association and Water Ski Club building carpark on Honiana Te Puni Reserve while the team are completing works.

Image Below: Crane and rig that will be used to start the bridge piling work.

An artist impression of the bridge piers designed by iwi artist Len Hetet.

Construction Update

We are about to start on four 15-20 metre deep piles for the shared path bridge over the next three months. These will provide the first half of the below ground structures for the piers that will support the bridge over the railway and you will see a crane and drill rig stationed at the southern end of the project.

An integrated approach to the the design of the bridge was essential. This combines engineering and design,alongside te ao Māori elements, meeting the seismic performance and load requirements for this section of the project as well as incorporating architectural features reflecting the narrative of Te Ara Tupua

The proximity to the Wellington Fault and the available footprint for design and construction proved to be a challenge. The reclaimed land we are constructing the bridge on meant that bridge piles needed to be larger than usual  to ensure the integrity of the structure in the event of an earthquake. Access and use of the shared path bridge needed to accommodate construction traffic and emergency vehicles while also being the conduit for people to connect with the coastal landscape. 

“The Alliance model meant that we could work in close collaboration with our design and construction partners and stakeholders throughout the development of the bridge design. This great working environment meant that the bridge team were able to address some tough challenges, including difficult ground conditions and close proximity to the railway and harbour, using innovative techniques to produce a resilient, safe and cost-effective structure.“ said Project Structural Design Lead Liam Hall.

Iwi artist Len Hetet has been designing cultural expression of features for the project, including cultural etchings on the bridge piers to reflect the history of the land and people.

W will keep road disruptions to a minimum and train schedules will not be affected by the work.

Below image: Map of shared cycle path detour through Rowing Association and Water Ski Club building carpark.

More information

For more information on the Te Ara Tupua project, contact us at TeAraTupua@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/TeAraTupua