Takaka Hill’s Bailey bridge replacement to begin in new year
The Bailey bridge on the Takaka Hill is scheduled to be replaced this summer. The slip in the area of the bridge has continued to move throughout the year and concerns have been raised about the longer-term security of the vital Hill road link.
Wellington regional manager of the New Zealand Transport Authority, Mr Graham Taylor, said that engineers and contractors have been closely monitoring the area around the Bailey bridge and that they would continue to do so.
"We are currently in the process of appointing a contractor to carry out the repair work on the slip area and construction work is expected to occur from early 2009," said Mr Taylor.
Mr Taylor explained that the area's consulting engineers have devised the means by which the slip area will be repaired.
"Work is progressing on the design details, but it's expected that the solution will include a mechanically stabilised earth wall. This consists of vertical, interlocking, concrete facing panels, steel strips, and compacted earth fill. The steel strips are attached to the back face of the concrete panels and placed in layers in the compacted earth. This type of structure has been used on other projects and is expected to be very tolerant to ground movement. We'll also be taking some measures to improve stormwater drainage in the area," he said.
Work is likely to commence during January, and Mr Taylor said that the public would be kept well informed about construction progress.
"We'll also let people know about any delays that result from rebuilding the road and removing the Bailey bridge," he said.
Neil Wilson
