The awards in Christchurch were handed out over the weekend. Projects to upgrade part of Southport’s wharf at Bluff and a suspension bridge on the Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail were both recognised.
Abseil Access, from Wellington, won the Category 1 Award for projects with a value of up to $2million for its work on the "Hugo Bridge" on Lake Dunstan Trail.
The 86m-long suspension bridge took just four months to create, from concept design to the completion of construction. That was despite its relatively remote location and the need for Abseil Access to build it to withstand climate extremes, including large snow loads and high winds.
The judges noted the timber and steel used in the bridge’s construction to ensure it would blend into the local environment, and commented that its $240,000 cost represented "real value for money".
The social outcomes of this work as part of the Dunstan trail have enabled a whole new cycling industry to establish in the area with further support to the existing hospitality and accommodation businesses, the judges said.
The project had to be highly cost effective, after initial proposals from multiple parties in 2018 exceeded the budget of client Southport NZ. As a result, Brian Perry Civil came up with a unique alternative design that would allow the project to go ahead. Project costs were further reduced through collaboration and a risk-management approach with risks apportioned to the party best able to manage them.
The wharf upgrade was lauded by the judges for its innovative contract approach, outside-the-box thinking, and the project team’s ability to complete the works in a way that minimised disruption to tanker operations at the port.
SouthRoads was awarded a highly commended award for its road maintenance work on the Southland Network outcomes contract.
Staff Reporter