Work on replacing two bridges in Te Awamutu War Memorial Park is progressing despite challenges in sourcing some materials.
The bridge upgrades are part of the wider concept plan for the park which was adopted in June last year by Council’s Strategic Planning and Policy committee.
The plan champions three bridges crossing the Mangaohoi Stream which commemorate the New Zealand Army (Papatūānuku), the Royal New Zealand Air Force (Ranginui) and the Royal New Zealand Navy (Tangaroa) with improved pedestrian linkages.
The two bridges being replaced in the popular park have been designed in collaboration with mana whenua and the Te Awamutu Returned and Services Association (RSA).
Waipā transport manager Bryan Hudson said the first bridge near the playground was replaced last week when the old bridge was lifted out and the new bridge installed. This bridge has been closed since October 2017 due to safety concerns following a structural assessment.
Replacing both bridges will cost about $666,000.
Preparations for installation of two new pedestrian bridges began earlier this year and were due to be installed in May. But there have been hold ups with key supplies.
“We’ve had difficulty sourcing suitable steel, and there has been a backlog of work at the specialist thermal galvanising plant,” Hudson said.
“But we’re confident the project is back on track now.”
The second footbridge – near the netball courts – should be installed in the coming months but no dates have been confirmed.
Another bridge connecting Shanel Place and Mutu Street, just outside the park will also be replaced soon.
Hudson said the bridges are constructed and installed to very high standards, and should provide robust, low maintenance access for many years to come.
“The piles anchoring the bridges vary in depth and are designed to provide solid foundations to the structure for its whole life. It is reasonable to expect the life of these bridges to be more than 100 years with minimal maintenance.”
Construction of the approach footpaths and tidying up of the area will take a few weeks while additional planting will take place in spring, Hudson said.
Further plans for the park include reducing the size of the pond and revealing the natural puna (spring), strengthening connections to the Mangaohoi and Mangapiko Streams through storytelling signage, renewing the existing playground and adding a māra hūpara play trail (natural play grounded in ecology and culture) and maintaining or restoring memorial features such as the Peace Fountain, Pergola and stone wall.
Regular progress updates of the bridge installation is available on the Waipā District Council website at www.waipadc.govt.nz/majorprojects and can also be sent directly to those who want to be kept updated.
