New Beaumont Bridge in New Zealand reaches major milestone

Beaumont bridge, Clutha River, new zealand, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency,

February 7, 2023

1376 views

Major milestone reached on the new 193m two-lane Beaumont Bridge on SH8, with the placement of the last of 36 steel beams for the project.

The new 193 metre modern two-lane structure over the Clutha River will replace the current single lane bridge, which was built in 1887, is one of a handful of remaining wrought iron bridges left on the state highway network, and is no longer suited to today’s higher traffic volumes including heavier trucks. 

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Director of Regional Relationships James Caygill says it’s great to see such a massive milestone for the project.

“Getting that final beam in place was hard work for crews working in 30-degree temperatures to place the final beam expertly,” says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Director of Regional Relationships James Caygill. 

“They kept their cool throughout this tricky job, moving us an important step closer to our scheduled completion of the new bridge by the end of this year,” says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Director of Regional Relationships James Caygill. 

The successful placement of the steel beams follows other recent milestones on the project, including the installation of bridge pile foundations and the four central concrete piers and abutments. Steel girder installation is continuing, with the placement of pre-cast concrete decking expected to start soon.

Work is now in full swing on building the western road approach to the new bridge and rebuilding the existing highway past the Beaumont Hotel. The new bridge is on track to be completed as planned by the end of the year.

To help complete this job as quickly as possible, traffic has been diverted since last month to Dee and Westferry Streets to connect with SH8 to Central Otago. 

Source: © 2023 Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

Image source: © 2023 Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

^ Back to top