Its installation allows the crew to jack up the bridge below to deconstruct and replace damaged components.
NCTIR project engineer Jonathan Armstrong says the work at the bridge will include replacement of a pier and an abutment at the Christchurch end of the bridge.
There are also minor concrete repairs to all of the piers along the width of the Waiau River, he says.
The Bailey bridge was installed by a team of workers from Fulton Hogan, Downer, Titan Cranes, Ymak Civil and Lott Contracting during a 12-hour night closure on February 2.
Mr Armstrong said the night was carefully planned to ensure the project requirements were fully completed during the closure, so repair work could begin. The main challenge of the project is keeping the road open while work is completed, he says.
The Bailey bridge will be used for the next two months to ensure minimal road closures.
“Every time we close the bridge it’s a 40-minute detour, so we’ve designed the whole project to minimise those road closures and limit the effect it has on the community.”
All work on the bridge is expected to be completed by June.
