Bridge takes shape on Broadlands road

MEDIA RELEASES

19 October 2009

The ever-changing landscape of the ETA takes shape as the Broadlands Road bridge is constructed. 

A 220 tonne crane and four supersized trucks were required to position the large concrete bridge beams for the Broadlands Road overpass.  When completed, the bridge will span 22 metres and include a pedestrian/cycle shared path on the town (west) side.

ETA Project Manager Ron Boyle says regular travellers of Broadlands Road will have noticed the huge amount of earth that has been put in place on this section of the route. “There has been 250,000m3 of earth used to build up the road to the north and south, which is approximately 7,000 busloads in this section alone.  However, this pales in comparison to the estimated 1,200,000m3 of earth that will have been moved by the time the ETA has been completed.” 

Broadlands Road reopened on the weekend, however some intermittent daytime closures will be required the following week commencing 19 October and, as the work is weather dependant, the week of the 27 October may be utilised if required. 

Mr Boyle said that four bridges in total will be constructed as part of the 16 km highway. “The next major undertaking will be the construction of the bridge over the Waikato River.”  The construction of the base of this bridge will take place on the ground at the site; a technique used to maximise the safety of the construction and placement of the bridge structure. 

Mr Boyle said work is taking place all along the ETA route and that the project is well on track to be completed before March 2011.

A 220 tonne crane lifts the concrete beam into place for the ETA Broadlands Road overbridge (higher resolution photo available on request)

Contact:
Ron Boyle
ETA Project Manager
Taupo District Council
Ph 027 4038467