Sandy Beech
02 June 2024, 8:29 PM
Work on the Penlink project continues to advance, with substantial developments in earthmoving and bridge construction.
An impressive 413,000 cubic metres of earth were moved this season, reflecting the project's rapid pace.
The Wēiti River Bridge reached a key milestone with the drilling of two piles, each 3 metres wide and 48 metres deep.
Steel casings, 18 metres in length, were installed into these piles, signifying a critical step in the construction process.
The bridge, once complete, will enhance connectivity and safety, and bolster economic growth in the Whangaparāoa Peninsula.
On the eastern bank of the Wēiti River, the earthworks team moved 29,000 cubic metres of material last month, improving visibility across the river to where the bridge is being constructed.
This earth movement highlights the project's progress and the anticipated connectivity it will bring.
In May, the Auckland Council approved winter work for the project, ensuring construction continues through the colder months.
These approvals are pivotal in maintaining the project’s momentum towards creating a more resilient and efficient transport network.
The Duck Creek Road Bridge also saw significant progress with the delivery and installation of its beams.
These include five 31-metre-long beams, each weighing 66 tonnes, and five shorter beams at 16.5 metres.
The beams, unique for their I-type section girders, allow the bridge to be built without central piers, enhancing efficiency.
A 600-tonne crane was used to lift the beams into place, demonstrating the scale of the operation.
Offset planting initiatives are underway in Long Bay Regional Park as part of the project's commitment to environmental sustainability.
This month marks the start of planting 140,000 plants, with 26,000 already planted.
The initiative aims to enhance native biodiversity, offsetting the environmental impact of the construction.
Concrete pouring for the Wēiti River Bridge piles was another major task completed in May.
Each pour required 360 cubic metres of concrete and extensive coordination.
The team successfully managed two significant pours, each needing 70 tonnes of steel reinforcement.
These milestones illustrate the project's ongoing progress and its role in improving infrastructure and connectivity for the Hibiscus Coast.