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    Bridge Replacements

    Churchill and Makiekie Bridge Replacements - Key Infrastructure Projects for the Manawatū District

    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.

    Click the red markers on the map below to view the bridge locations.