Auckland City Council
Media release

15 December 2008

Taking ferry boarding to the next level

Waiheke residents and visitors to the island will soon be able to enjoy faster boarding times thanks to the newly constructed two-tier bridge at Matiatia wharf.

Constructed by the Auckland City Council, the bridge, gangway and stairs at the southern berth will ensure passengers are provided with a safe and simultaneous loading and unloading service and will ensure ferry service providers maintain efficient operations.

Transport Committee Chairman Ken Baguley says, “The new two tier bridge will be an important asset to Matiatia and will greatly improve Waiheke island's ferry service”.

The structure is made of three key components all of which include:

• A 40-tonne scissor lift, which is capable of lifting the new structure to accommodate for different sized ferries and tidal conditions.

• New concrete flotation units, affixed beneath existing pontoons to cater for the new scissor lift, gangway and platform.

• An upper-level access platform designed with handrails and a gate located 2.5 meters above the lower access platform, a 14 meter steel gangway, and a set of stairs leading down to the wharf edge

The project, valued at $360,000, reached completion on 15 December and will be officially open to the public after a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, 17th December. The ceremony will take place at 7.45am prior to an 8.00am sailing.

This project is one of many being under taken by the council to improve infrastructure and transportation throughout Auckland.

ENDS

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