What’s expected to become a landmark feature of the NZ Transport Agency’s Waterview Connection project has taken shape across Auckland’s Owairaka and New Windsor skyline.
The architecturally designed Hendon Footbridge which spans SH20 (Southwestern Motorway) at the southern approach to the Waterview tunnels had its 110 tonne arch successfully installed during the weekend (5 and 6 December).
“It’s a stunning addition to the landscape and is another striking example of engineering and design excellence coming together as they have all the way through the Waterview project,” says Brett Gliddon, the Transport Agency’s Highway Manager.
The 300 metre long footbridge will provide pedestrian and cycling access between the two communities of Owairaka and New Windsor as well as connecting to the southern shared path and new sports fields at Valonia Street and Barrymore Road.
“As well as looking spectacular the real beauty of this bridge is the way it will help connect two communities. It’s a pleasure to be able to incorporate community facilities into large infrastructure projects like the Waterview Connection.”
The arch installation was carried out over two stages, with its western (New Windsor) and eastern (Owairaka) sections established before the central section was connected into place.
Two cranes, weighing 300 tonnes and 220 tonnes, were needed to install the final central section of the arch.
Work on the Hendon Footbridge began in January 2014 before it stopped in August 2014 for tunnel construction as the spoil conveyor was obstructing its alignment.
The final two large structural elements of the Hendon Footbridge construction will take place over the next six months and include completion of the bridge deck before the supporting steel cables are installed.
The footbridge is planned to open in early 2017 along with the rest of the Waterview Connection project – the Waterview tunnels and the Great North Road Interchange.
The Waterview Connection completes Auckland’s Western Ring Route, a 48km alternative route to SH1. It will link Manukau, Auckland, Waitakere and the North Shore, improving network resilience, travel time reliability and bus shoulder lanes as well as upgrading cycleway and pedestrian facilities.
The Waterview Connection project is being delivered by the Well-Connected Alliance which includes the Transport Agency, Fletcher Construction, McConnell Dowell, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Beca Infrastructure, Tonkin & Taylor and Japanese construction company Obayashi Corporation. Sub-alliance partners are Auckland-based Wilson Tunnelling and Spanish tunnel controls specialists SICE.
The Hendon Footbridge arch is 100 metres long.
Artist’s impression of the finished Hendon Footbridge.
The central arch being lifted into position
