Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Construction on the new Hikuwai No. 1 Bridge on State Highway 35 (SH35) has reached a significant milestone, with piling works now underway, laying the foundations for a stronger, more resilient connection for East Coast communities.
The piling marks a major step forward in the permanent replacement of the original Hikuwai No. 1 Bridge, which was severely damaged during Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023. Since then, a temporary Bailey bridge and the Pourau Road bypass have provided vital access along SH35.
Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) Project Manager Richard Bayley says the start of piling is a huge moment for the region.
“It signals the beginning of major bridge construction activity that will deliver a safer, stronger and more reliable connection for years to come. But it doesn’t come without its complexities.”
“Working on the East Coast means it is common for the soil to be soft and highly erodible which presents its challenges and our crews may need to drill through layers of silt, river gravel or even tree logs to reach solid ground. Accuracy is critical down to millimetres and we’re using specialised machinery and technology to achieve it.”
Once piling is complete, the bridge will rise quickly, with crews moving on to pile caps, columns, beams and finally the deck.
Sixteen pile casings, each weighing upwards of 13,000kg and measuring up to 12m long and 1.8m across, will act as protective sleeves for the 8 bridge columns, ensuring alignment and stability. Some casings will be welded together on-site to reach depths of 50–60 metres, deeper than any other bridge on the East Coast.
The piles are being installed using a rotary drilling method (where a continuously rotating drill cuts through the ground). Steel pile casings will then be inserted to stabilise the soil. A reinforcement cage is then lowered into place before concrete is poured around the casing, with the below ground casing left as a permanent part of the structure.
Anne McGuire of local Iwi Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti and Ngati Ira says the milestone carries deep meaning.
“Seeing the bridge piles going in is more than just progress on a construction site, it represents a strong foundation for the future of our community. With Iwi and TREC working side by side, there is real momentum now.
“We share a strong commitment to this project and look forward to the benefits this connection will bring to the East Coast. What made it even more special was having tamariki from local kura kaupapa visit last Thursday, watching on. They are the future generations who will inherit this bridge, and their presence reminded us of the legacy we are building together.”
Traffic impacts will be kept to a minimum throughout construction, with road users continuing to use the Bailey bridge and Pourau Road bypass until completion.
The new 2-lane bridge will span approximately 100 metres and sit on deep piles designed to better withstand flooding, earthquake activity and debris build-up. Completion is expected by late 2026, weather and conditions permitting.
