Works included 10m-deep, 1200mm diameter piles installed through an existing seawall, coastal and rail corridor piling, and a kit-set rig assembled by hand for difficult access areas. The bridge structure comprised four steel piers, three concrete spans, and six steel arches, incorporating an artist’s pattern into the precast beams. A key challenge was the Christmas Block-of-Line lift, requiring a tandem lift with 450T and 300T cranes, supported by piled outrigger foundations to accommodate the heavy lifts.
The project faced tight programme constraints, requiring close coordination with KiwiRail and Auckland Transport to meet deadlines while ensuring minimal disruption to electrification works. Innovative piling techniques, detailed programming and lift planning, and strict environmental controls ensured successful execution. The project received the NZIA Public Structure Award, the NZ Concrete Society Monte Craven Award, and was a finalist in the World Footbridge Awards, recognising its technical excellence, stakeholder collaboration, and outstanding execution.
