Piling progress at Silverstream
BPC’s piling crew has completed the last pile on the eastern side of Te Awa Kairangi (Hutt River) for the Whakawhirinaki Pipe Bridge being constructed for Wellington Water in Silverstream. The crew has now moved across to the western side of the river to start constructing four more piles.
Project Engineer Callum Gough says the four piles on the eastern side have been drilled and installed up to column heights. “We’re preparing to start constructing the two pier caps while also preparing to start the groundworks for the pipeline chambers.”
Team members are making good progress despite some challenges. Project Engineer John Wu says there’s been delays in sourcing casing supplies offshore. “We’re also having to deal with constant water influx into the pile shaft.”
The bridge will replace an ageing bulk water main, which is in poor condition and tricky to access for repairs as it sits below SH2. The pipe will fit along the bridge, with room for a walkway and cycleway, crossing the river. To maintain safe public access while the bridge is being built, BPC’s team have constructed a diversion for the popular cycleway along the river.
