Ferrymead Bridge update

Jan McCarthy, Senior Communications Adviser, Christchurch City Council, 941 8935 or jan.mccarthy@ccc.govt.nz

19 Apr 2012 Update

Work has begun on building the approaches for the temporary bridges at Ferrymead which will carry traffic to and from Sumner while the new Ferrymead Bridge is built. 

Motorists are expected to be diverted over the temporary bridges from the end of June.

The existing Ferrymead Bridge was being strengthened and widened when the February 2011 earthquake struck, causing significant damage to the bridge and liquefaction in the riverbed.

Council have subsequently decided to demolish the existing bridge and build a new bridge which will meet 100 per cent of the new building standard.

The temporary bridges will be used while the existing bridge is demolished and a new bridge is built in its place. These temporary structures will carry two lanes of traffic in a single direction and have a shared pedestrian and cycle lane. The decks of the bridges will be surfaced in asphalt.

Each temporary bridge has been designed to support machinery weighing up to 150 tonnes, including cranes, and will have a speed limit of 20 kmh.

The existing bridge will be demolished by October this year and the new bridge operational by early 2014.

17 Jun 2011 Update

Ferrymead Bridge has had further damage as a result of the 13 June earthquake. However, it has been assessed as safe and is open to traffic.

The damage to the bridge was caused by liquefaction - liquefied soil flowed towards the low point in the bed of the river and caused pressure on the bridge’s foundations.

Drivers are encouraged to take care in their approach to the bridge as there is also damage to the road, drive to the conditions, and stay within the speed restrictions.

Prior to the 13 June earthquake the contractor reinstalled the temporary stagings (platforms for cranes) upstream and downstream of the bridge. These stagings were upgraded and performed very well during the earthquake on Monday. In the event of an emergency they can be easily upgraded by installing approaches to allow use as alternative vehicle access if required.

Council staff, Opus Consultants and the contractor HEB Structures are investigating the best option to ensure long term access for local residents and visitors. A timeline for completion of this work is not yet known.

Ferrymead Bridge had suffered significant damage in the 22 February earthquake, as did the new construction works and the temporary staging. However, there have been a number of checks and balances put in place to ensure public safety:

• The bridge was inspected and tested to ensure it had adequate strength before being opened to light vehicles.
• The bridge continues to be monitored for any further movement or damage.
• A 24 hour security presence was in place to prevent heavy vehicles using the bridge while repair were carried out.
• A bracing system was installed to prevent further movement of the pier columns.
• The bridge was jacked back to close to its original profile and then reopened to heavy traffic.

For further information contact:

Sarah Kelly

Senior Communications Adviser

Mob: 027 229 4148

Email:sarah.kelly@ccc.govt.nz