Bridge works girder installed to allow pile, pier work

A major milestone in the $25 million Beaumont Bridge replacement project was reached on Tuesday, as contractors HEB installed a temporary works girder to allow access to the central river.

The girder will allow work to begin on reinforced concrete pile and pier construction at the new bridge’s furthest point from the Clutha River bank.

A Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency spokesman said the agency was pleased with the pace of progress.

"Bridge girders are being fabricated in Napier and, as they’re completed, will be transported on site. There are between 40 and 70 workers from across the country operational at any given time, who will use the temporary work platforms from which to build the new bridge."

Ecological elements of recent work had included retention of significant trees planted by early settlers, and rehoming 165 native southern grass skinks locally.