Work to begin on Ferrymead Bridge

Christchurch City Council today requested Council staff proceed with their recommendation to demolish and replace the Ferrymead Bridge with a new structure.

The Council noted that Ferrymead Bridge is a ‘Lifelines’ project that requires action and a new structure would take into account the implications of the recent earthquakes.

Unit Manager Transport and Greenspace Alan Beuzenberg says damage as a result of the recent earthquakes has presented some unique engineering challenges that have caused delays, however, it is vital that the project gets underway again to secure long term access for local residents and visitors to the area.

“The existing temporary stagings will be used for traffic and pedestrian bypasses while the work on the new bridge takes place. Prior to the 13 June earthquake the contractor reinstalled the temporary stagings (platforms for cranes) upstream and downstream of the bridge. These stagings were upgraded and performed very well during the 13 June earthquake. They will be further upgraded by installing approaches to allow vehicle and pedestrian access,” he says.

Mayor Bob Parker says, “Ferrymead Bridge is a crucial structure that connects the city to the sea, with an important strategic transportation role for the whole city as well as a link to the suburbs of Heathcote, Mt Pleasant, Redcliffs and Sumner. Its construction is closely connected to the long term prosperity of this city and this is tremendous news.”

Ferrymead Bridge suffered significant damage in the 22 February earthquake, as did the new construction works and the temporary staging. Initially, the preferred option was to repair the existing bridge structure. However, when preparing to restart construction following the 13 June earthquakes Council staff and contractors identified issues with the original engineering methodology as a result of the now liquefied riverbed.

A review team has been working since July 2011 to put together options on the best way to proceed with the project. Council staff and engineering consultants have developed a new bridge scheme and construction process. Physical works will begin with geotechnical investigation to establish the structure of the riverbed’s rock in the location of the new piles.
Work is expected to begin in the New Year, a timeline for the completion of this work is not yet known.