Construction has started on an "iconic feature" of a new bridge that will connect Auckland's southern and northwestern suburbs.
When the new bridge is completed, which is located at the site of the Old Māngere Bridge, it will become a feature of the Auckland skyline with its 11-metre high arch the showpiece of the structure.
The walking and cycling link over the Manukau Harbour is months in the making and brings together a team of skilled operators.
"Building over water is always a challenge, but this project is made more complex by the addition of the steel central deck and arch," says Mark Kinvig, Waka Kotahi national manager infrastructure delivery.
"A team of highly skilled engineers, designers, truck and crane operators as well as riggers and ground staff are needed to help guide the six pieces which make up the arch and central deck into place."
The arch and central deck were created in Napier in 21 smaller pieces before being transported up to the project yard in Auckland.
Once there, the team spent months welding the pieces together to create three large deck sections - each weighing approximately 110 tonnes - and the three arch sections - weighing 28 tonnes each.
"The components will be taken by a heavy lift truck and trailer onto the temporary staging, where two cranes will work in tandem to lift each section separately into place," Kinvig says. "The whole process will take several months to complete.
"Months of planning has gone into this part of the project and we are grateful to have some of Auckland's sharpest minds working on it."
The bridge will be 8-metres wide and has space for two fishing bays and bench seating for people to sit and enjoy the harbour views, Waka Kotahi says.
The new bridge will also provide increased clearance underneath and space between the piers for waka, canoes and small watercraft to travel to and from the Māngere Inlet."
The bridge is expected to open in late 2022.
