"Firth won the contract to supply approximately 6,000m3 of concrete over two years to HEB Construction for piling, sub structures, superstructures and bridge decks for the new Kopu Bridge out of our upgraded plant at Thames," said Karl Campbell, Chief Operating Officer, Central for Firth.

"It's been over a year since construction began and HEB Construction are making very good head way on the overall project," said Murray Finer, Supply Manager, Thames for Firth. "They have worked their way out to over halfway across the river and have built a temporary staging from the Auckland side of the bridge which we have been using to reach the next pile for concrete pours."

Work continues in the centre of the river near the channel which must remain clear for river access. With three spans of the 22-tonne bridge girders installed and five of the 15 piers in place the project is progressing well. The developing structure will support the concrete bridge deck and carry two lanes of traffic and a shared pedestrian/cycle path.

"Our relationship with Firth is very good," said Scott Vallely, Project Engineer for HEB Construction. "They have been very adaptable to our needs and have been able to supply concrete whenever we have needed it. They are a good bunch of guys and are doing a good job."

Once work on the Western side of the river is complete the process will be repeated from the Eastern bank. "We are pretty well on target for completion in mid 2012 as scheduled," added Scott.