Wednesday 9 April 2013

Ferrymead Bridge replacement progressing well

The Ferrymead Bridge replacement project is on schedule with the demolition of the existing bridge expected to be complete before the end of April 2013.

With the ‘nibbler’ cranes completing the final demolition of the existing bridge, the next part of the work is the pile removal. This is a delicate operation, as the removal process takes place under water.

Once the older piles are removed, preparation work can start to allow for heavy machinery to move into place and begin the piling for the base of the new Ferrymead Bridge. This is called the staging process whereby land ‘fingers’ are constructed in the water, for the heavy machinery to work from during the piling construction.

Unit manager of Transport and Greenspace John Mackie says, “It’s great news that the work on the Ferrymead Bridge replacement is on schedule and progressing as planned. We know how important this transport artery is to all the residents and businesses. With 30,000 vehicles using this route daily, it is reassuring for all to know that this project is on target.”

The work on demolishing the existing bridge began in February 2013, and the temporary bridges were installed in late January 2013. Completion of the new bridge is likely to be by mid 2015, but timeframes may have to be adapted if unexpected ground conditions for piling are encountered.
The piling process for the new bridge will take about 15 months and start as soon as the existing bridge is demolished.

What’s coming up in the next few months:

• Pile removal – expected to be completed by the end of April 2013.
• Bridge foundation removal and backfilling – planned for completion at end of April 2013.
• Staging installation – planned to start at end of April 2013 and is dependant on the completion of the pile removal activity above. Expecting to have this complete by the middle of May 2013.
• Pile gate construction – planned to begin as soon as the staging ‘fingers’ have been constructed, which would be at the end of May 2013.
• Pile construction – the first pier pile work should start by the middle of June 2013.

Please note that the activities listed above are dependant on the completion of the demolition works and subject to weather.

For more information on the Ferrymead Bridge project, please visit the Christchurch City Council website. There is also a list of frequently asked questions available on the website to assist with any queries you may have.

To view please visit http://www.ccc.govt.nz/ferrymead

ENDS

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