Bridge project spans river
The beginnings of a cycle and pedestrian bridge is now stretching across the Manawatu¯ River as low flows have allowed an early return on to the river bed for the cranes.
Palmerston North City Council transportation manager Jon Schwass said it was exciting to see progress accelerating, with another two steel bridge sections lifted into position yesterday.
The bridge is part of the $14.6 million He Ara Kotahi project that includes a pathway from the Fitzherbert Bridge to Linton Army Camp, with a linking path to be added providing off-road access to Massey University and the science centres.
Schwass said going back into the river early in spring before the possibility of high flows had passed was not without risks.
Contractors Concrete Structures faced a range of conditions about having to stop work and get equipment out of the river if it begins to flood. ‘‘But clearly, they want to keep progress going.’’
Work started on the bridge site on Dittmer Drive just downstream from the Holiday Park and Esplanade back in February.
A causeway was built on the Massey side of the river to enable the foundations and piers to be put in place before winter. The piers stand 7.5 metres above the river, and are anchored 22.5m underground.
While crews had to keep out of the water during winter, work continued on reshaping the stopbank and preparing the bridge approaches on the city side, while work on the track continued across the river.
The next phase would be lifting the pre-cast concrete deck sections into position, with further reinforcing steel to be laid, and a top seal of concrete to form the surface. The handrails and ribs for the bridge, including the widened viewing section halfway along the 190 metre long structure, were being made off site, and would include provision for lighting.
Schwass said there was pressure to keep work moving, as completion by the end of April was still the target.