New Crossing with New Purpose:
Rust Avenue Bridge Replacement
United Civil was contracted to replace a Whangārei bridge built in the 1930s, because it was prone to blockage that represented a real risk of flooding for the CBD - especially during extreme weather.
A $1m replacement single span bridge solution was proposed and tenders for construction were called in early 2013. While all received tenders were significantly in excess of the available construction budget, our tender represented the best value proposition.
Key features included:
- our engineers working with the client and the bridge designer to value engineer the design, which resulted in significant savings in the build cost to the extent that the project was able to proceed to construction
- demolition of the existing bridge, the construction of new abutments founded on driven piles, a new RC superstructure, along with realignment and reconstruction of the approach roads
- construction of a temporary pedestrian footbridge, extensive services diversions, scour protection and the construction of RC pedestrian barriers.
The new Rust Avenue bridge has succeeded in reducing the risk of flooding in the city’s CBD.