MILLWATER BRIDGE

Oxcon CLL were engaged by WFH Property Limited to construct a timber pedestrian bridge between two existing retaining walls to cross a small tributary of the Orewa River. The bridge creates a pedestrian link between Precinct 5 and Precinct 6 of the Millwater residential development, connecting Godfrey Drive at the northern end to Kowhai Road to south side.

The bridge consist of 10 spans with a total length of 63m, and the highest point of 9m. The abutments consisted of insitu concrete beams while the piles were drilled and poured timber poles with lateral and longitudinal cross bracing. To enable a swift construction programme, the bearers, joists and blocking were detailed as Glulam and fabricated in Levin, which enabled a 4 day installation duration. The decking programme was able to be accelerated by specifying composite decking panels that could be placed in 2 days. It took a few more days to install the 14,00 screws though. The handrails were finished off with an Accoya top rail that boasts incredible durability and dimensional stability, highlighting the quality of the build.

 Access for the piling was restricted and Oxcon CLL developed a methodology and lifted in the piling gear using a 400T mobile crane to limit collateral damage of the already established council reserve. Construction started in early January 2023 and was completed on time within 3 months, despite the tumultuous weather at the beginning of 2023.