Ex-cyclone delays pier repairs
New Brighton Pier repairs are unlikely to be finished until May – two months after they were supposed to be completed.
The seaward two-thirds of the 300-metre long pier closed to the public in August to make way for equipment needed for ongoing earthquake repairs to the pillars.
Work on the popular Christchurch attraction began in February 2017. It was first hoped it would remain open throughout the repairs, which were initially expected to finish last month.
Christchurch City Council commissioned Fulton Hogan to repair the pier by strengthening the columns underneath.
Council head of transport Richard Osborne confirmed this week it was likely the repairs would continue into May following damage to the pier’s temporary works during ex-Cyclone Gita in February.
‘‘However, if sea conditions remain favourable, the council will attempt to complete the repairs earlier. New Brighton Pier is set to reopen in May 2018.’’
Scaffolding access platforms on the pier suffered damage from large waves during the storm. The most significant waves detached a gantry from the pier.
‘‘Several of the large watertight steel tubes have also suffered impact damage. This has added delays to the repair works,’’ Osborne said.
Repairs would be completed within the budget of $8 million to $9m, Osborne said.
‘‘Repair works have mainly consisted of adding steel and concrete ‘jackets’ to cover and strengthen the damaged areas,’’ he said.
‘‘Repair has mostly taken place below the waterline and so has required extensive temporary works to allow workers to safely access the damage and carry out the repairs.
‘‘The pier suffered cracking of the concrete columns and stressing of the reinforcing steel. The new jackets restore the strength of the columns and protect the reinforcing steel from rusting.’’