Of the thirteen bridges requiring rebuilding, four are in the Tutira Ward. In addition to this, there are also three large culverts (of six across the district) that require replacement. 

Due to the scale, complexity and cost of the rebuilds and repair, a phased programme of rebuilding is required. More detail can be found by clicking on the links below. Further information will be added as it becomes available.

In the interim, it’s very important that the speed and weight limits in place on the temporary structures are observed, so that these can continue connect communities.

Bridges and large culverts in the Tutira Ward requiring rebuild

A further 51 bridges in Tutira Ward have suffered significant damage and require repair, some needing temporary repairs before a full engineered solution can be designed and implemented. The locations of these bridges can be seen in the interactive map above along with their status. Avery’s bridge, images below, is a good example of this.

Waikoau Gorge Bridge

Prior to Cyclone Gabrielle, strengthening work had been scheduled for Waikoau Gorge Bridge. This was delayed due to the impact of the cyclone.  In February 2023, an 11T weight restriction was placed on the bridge with permits required for vehicles up to 30T. To bring the bridge up to full capacity of 46T, a three-stage repair is required. The first stage is modification of the bridge deck which began on 27 May and necessitated the bridge being closed to vehicles from 8.30am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday.

UPDATE 24 JULY: While repair work on the damaged pier of the Waikoau Gorge Bridge is ongoing, the engineer's inspection has confirmed, that effective immediately, the weight restriction on the bridge can be lifted from 3.5T to 11T with 5.2T max axle loading. Drivers of vehicles over 11T can apply for a permit for loads up to 22T with max 5.2T axle loading at 10 km/h. To apply for the permit email ambs@hdc.govt.nz. While work on the pier continues there will be twice weekly inspections. Should the inspections pick up anything untoward then the restriction may be reduced again to 3.5T. Following a period of monitoring, in early August we anticipate being able to raise the permitted weight to 30T at 10km/hr, with a 5.2T axle limit.

Regular updates will continue to be provided via newsletter with more urgent communications, such as crews being unable to work due to weather, relayed through the local Facebook groups.

This process has been very disruptive to the community and we appreciate the patience shown. We are grateful to the Fulton Hogan contractors for their efforts under difficult and changeable circumstances.  

Repairs to cracked pier

During this planned work, a crack in the Waikoau Gorge Bridge pier was identified and an urgent enforcement of a 3.5T weight limit implemented on Friday 7 June. Emergency services were notified and confirmed that they were still able to reach homes.  Following the completion of further investigations, engineers developed a solution for repairs which include erecting scaffolding to provide access to the damaged pier.  This work has been done simultaneously as the bridge deck work continued. 

Fulton Hogan staff working to strengthen the bridge decking

Cyclone Gabrielle resulted in more than 800 slips.  In the months following the cyclone, priority was given to restoring access to isolated communities.  All 590 of the less complex slips have been cleared and repairs made. There are a further 224 larger and more complex slips requiring investigation and major construction to repair. 43% (95) of these are located in the Tūtira Ward.

Matahorua Road, 35m of road lost to slip.

 

Darkys Spur Road

Due to the scale and complexity of the damage, design and construction of the repairs to the road and associated drainage requires engineering expertise and resource consents. A prioritised programme of works has been developed to repair these. As investigations and engineering designs are completed, contractors are being engaged to begin construction at each site.

For details on the status of each slip by location, click on the interactive map above.