CCNZ / HIREPOOL CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2015
BUILDING A BRIDGE
between public safety and council budgets Since 2011, concerned Bay of Plenty residents have been campaigning for a new pedestrian bridge over McLaren Falls, located between Tauranga City and the summit of the Kaimai Range.
1
CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2015
WINNER CATEGORY 1
PROJECT: McLaren Falls Pedestrian Bridge, Bay of Plenty CONTRACTORS: Bridge It and Tiaki Engineering
6 Civil Contractors NZ in association with Contractor magazine
O
nce solely the stomping ground of ‘in-the-know’ kayakers, swimmers and picnickers, tourists have flocked to the McLaren Falls in droves – especially after Lonely Planet described the area as a ‘must see’ destination. In the summertime it was believed that approximately 1000 vehicles used to cross the old, single-lane, steel truss road bridge that led to the waterfalls. Right next to them, with a 10 metre drop on either side, were pedestrians also making their way to the attractions beyond. With the noise of the falls muffling the sounds of cars’ engines, it was a dangerous and congested spot. Complicating an already complicated issue was the fact that the bridge also attracted thrill-seeking bridge jumpers. All in all, the site was a recipe for disaster. It had already been the scene of numerous injuries and a fatality (in 1995 when a man jumped off the bridge). Upgrading the bridge became a priority for many – the biggest pushes coming from the McLaren Falls Environmental Enhancement Group and the Western Bay of Plenty District Council (WBOPDC). Unfortunately, however, existing budgets did not meet collective desires, and solutions to upgrade the bridge
