Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Andersons Floodway Bridge on State Highway 63 in Marlborough is now open to traffic, just over four months after it was severely damaged during a severe winter storm.
The new, more resilient structure is a significant upgrade on its predecessor that was deemed beyond repair after it was washed out during heavy rain in June.
Mark Owen, Regional Manager Lower North Island/Top of the South, says the project is a real success story for the region, with local contractors completing the work in record time.
“Building a new bridge quickly without compromising quality was the priority – we managed to do that by working on smart solutions with local contractors.”
“By using the design and construct model our contractors were able to begin construction on the new bridge immediately using generic bridge details that were refined as required as construction progressed, saving time and money.”
Mr Owen says the local community also played a key role in helping the project progress at pace.
“Landowners were accommodating of us using their land for the temporary bypass, local utilities companies were on board early and promptly relocated lines and cables and Marlborough District Council urgently produced a flood model that informed the design of the new bridge.”
“It’s been a real team effort from the outset, through to project completion.”
Work on the replacement bridge began on 18 August, with a temporary road and minor detour in place to keep traffic moving safely while construction was underway.
The new, longer bridge was built on site with a deep-piled foundation and a wider precast concrete deck, improving both resilience and efficiency.
As part of the upgrade, new barriers were installed on the approaches to the bridge, and these, along with the wider deck, mean the new bridge is much safer for traffic.
Mr Owen said the support from road users during this work is appreciated by everyone involved.
“We know State Highway 63 is a critical route in Marlborough, and we acknowledge the Andersons Floodway Bridge project, along with other recovery and repair works on the highway, have caused disruption and travel delays for drivers.”
“Our contractors appreciate the patience and cooperation the public have shown while the work has been underway. But the good news is we now have a new improved, and more flood-protected bridge open just in time for Christmas,” Mr Owen says.
Andersons Floodway Bridge – Facts and figures:
|
Old Bridge |
New Bridge |
|
|
Traffic Width |
7.3m |
9.0m |
|
Span |
4.3m |
11.5m |
|
Flood Capacity |
One-in-five-year flood event (with no allowance for climate change) |
One-in-100-year flood event (including allowance for climate change) |
Other work on State Highway 63:
Mr Owen says work to rebuild a section of State Highway 63 on the eastern side of the township is making good progress, and recovery work to repair significant scouring damage west of the Waihopai Bridge is now underway.
“From 17 November contractors will also begin work to rebuild a 200-metre section of the state highway, west of the Waihopai Bridge. This will involve removing the top layer of the road, laying new gravel, and then applying new chipseal. The end result will be a much stronger stretch of highway,” Mr Owen says.
SH63 West of Waihopai Bridge works schedule:
- Now until Friday, 19 December, 7 am – 6 pm weekdays.
- No work on weekends
- Stop/Go traffic management and 30km/h temporary speed limit. Expect ten-minute delays.
- A 30 km/h temporary speed limit will be in place outside work hours.
- These works are weather-dependent, and schedules may change.
SH63 East of the Wairau Valley township:
- Work to rebuild a 1.3 kilometre section of State Highway 63, on the Renwick side of the Wairau Valley township continues until Friday, 12 December, 7 am – 6 pm Monday to Saturday.
- Stop/go traffic management and a 30 km/h temporary speed limit will remain in place 24/7. Expect ten-minute delays.
- These works are weather-dependent, and schedules may change.
Driver Advice:
- Stop/Go traffic management remains in place at multiple locations on State Highway 63 as other minor storm damage repairs are completed.
- Expect short delays while this work is underway.
Please follow all traffic management, temporary speed limits, and instructions from road crews. They are there to keep everyone safe
