Bridge Replacements
The recovery and rebuilding efforts following Cyclone Gabrielle are in full throttle, with incredible progress being made on the Churchill Bridge replacement. In partnership with Emmetts Civil Construction Ltd, we're thrilled to share the exciting work underway that will restore this crucial link and bring renewed strength to the region’s infrastructure. The momentum is building, and we can’t wait to see the transformation unfold!
In 2023, the fury of Cyclone Gabrielle unleashed devastating floods along the Pohangina River, wiping out the Churchill Road and Makiekie bridges in a catastrophic sweep of nature’s power.
The Churchill Bridge, a massive 75 meters long, was torn apart as four sections of its bridge deck and three sturdy piers were completely swept away. Remarkably, the only remnants of this once-solid structure were the abutments and a single section of the deck - everything else had been carried off by the relentless floodwaters.
But the damage didn’t stop there. The Pohangina River itself was completely transformed as tons of stone and debris were deposited in its wake, drastically altering its course and landscape.
Before rebuilding could even begin, a monumental effort of earthworks was required to reshape the riverbed and restore the river to its original alignment. What’s more, the stone that was removed from the river was crushed and repurposed - now it will form the foundation for the new Churchill and Makiekie bridges, setting the stage for a resilient and revitalized future.
The construction of the new bridge is charging ahead with incredible momentum. Each abutment will be anchored by two reinforced concrete piles, with the steel casings and reinforcing cages for these piles already crafted offsite, ready to be put into action.
Think of the piles as giant nails being hammered into the earth. A steel sleeve and block are placed atop the steel casing, forming the "head" of the pile - just like the head of a giant nail - offering protection as it’s driven deep into the ground.
Work is already underway on the first abutment on the right bank of the Pohangina River, with the second one rising on the left bank at Totara Reserve Park. The central pier will be constructed in the same robust manner, ensuring strength and stability for the structure.
Once everything is in place, two impressive 40-meter steel bridge spans will be carefully lifted into position - currently being fabricated in Napier. With everything on track, we're set to see the completed Churchill Bridge by October 2025, bringing a new era of resilience and connectivity to the region.
Once Churchill Bridge is completed, the focus will shift to the replacement of the Makiekie Bridge. The Bailey Bridge will be dismantled, and the damaged structure will be demolished to make way for a brand-new, robust bridge. The approach for Makikie will mirror the success of Churchill, with two strong abutments being built, followed by the installation of a 40-meter steel bridge span. We’re aiming for Makiekie Bridge to be fully operational by April 2026.
These projects are a vital part of our ongoing commitment to revitalizing essential infrastructure and boosting resilience in our district. We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support from the community and look forward to keeping everyone informed as the exciting work unfolds!
Click the red markers on the map below to view the bridge locations.