Winner
Kotuitui Whitinga for Whangarei District Council, Waiarohia Stream, Whangarei – Steve Bowling Contractors (SBC)
SBC responded to this opportunity by developing a unique bridge design and local team makeup that met the Councils aspirations. The bridge is part of a walk/ cycle combined use facility and the design meets that need through being “s” shaped and transitioning smoothly on both sides of the river crossing.
As the river is used for access to upstream properties the bridge has a central 10 meter opening span.
SBC, their designers and sub-contractors developed a strong and collaborative relationship to ensure the design and construction details were fully integrated. Most of the components of the bridge are bespoke, requiring detailed measurement to meet tight tolerances. The 9 support pre cast raked columns are tied into individual piles below mean tide level requiring guide frames to ensure accuracy in positioning.
Health and safety aspects of construction in and over a waterway were focused on by SBC and the client with no LTI’s recorded.
There were a number of key stakeholders’ involved and great public interest. SBC managed these interfaces well by keeping in touch with these groups, involving them and letting them know what is going on.
The quality of the completed bridge meets the client’s requirements. The end result is an iconic bridge that forms part of the Councils focus on redevelopment and encouragement of public use back into the central port area. SBC can be proud of their part in the Council achieving their goal.
Judges Dave Macdonald Paul Bishop
