Puketapu

Key points for consideration

• Physical division within the community: The absence of the bridge has created a physical division within the community
• Project timeline: The goal is to deliver a permanent replacement structure to the community by mid-2025
• Alignment choice: Rebuilding the bridge on the existing alignment is the preferred approach to meet the required timeline and stakeholder expectations
• Environmental considerations: The impact on fish spawning in the river is being carefully considered throughout the project's planning and execution.

Background

The original bridge at Puketapu was a 129m swing bridge and was in place between 1906 - 1962. This was then replaced by a 122m concrete bridge with six concrete spans and the following specs:

Following the destruction of the concrete bridge during Cyclone Gabrielle, a temporary bridge (bridge, ford or pedestrian bridge) was deemed not suitable for the location due to site restrictions, timeframes and costs.

Demolition

• Demolition is complete
• Crushed concrete material from demolition is available to be reused in the rebuild to minimise environmental impacts
• Steel material has been recycled locally
• '1963' columns have been kept for a memorial

Design considerations

• Possibly two lanes with pedestrian pathway
• Increased height due to flooding risk
• Increased pile depth
• Longer spans and fewer columns
• Earthquake considerations
• Following best practice engineering guidelines and standards

 Photo: Taken on 29 July 2024, this photo shows the causeway extending into the riverbed and the first of the piles.