Certified Concrete - Kopu Bridge
< Back Friday, 30 April 2010
Are we there yet?
We might not be quite 'there yet' but at least the journey to replace the Kopu Bridge has begun. Many visitors to the area will have faced the long tail back at the Kopu Bridge over Xmas and although these holidays will not see much change, what people will see is real evidence that work on the bridge is underway.
Construction began in July 2009 to replace the old one-lane bridge with a new two-lane version. However the bridge project also includes 2.5 kilometres of approach roads, including a new link road to State Highway 26 east of the bridge and a four-leg roundabout at the junction of SH25 and SH26.
Progress has been good and this Xmas holidaymakers will see work beginning on the actual bridge structure. Says Karl Campbell, Chief Operating officer - Firth Central Region, 'We won the contract to supply approximately 6,000m³ of concrete over the next two years for piling, sub structures, superstructure and the bridge decks. Some of the mixes we will be supplying to the job will contain microsilica 600."
For those unfamiliar with microsilica 600 it is a technology that facilitates high performance in concrete by promoting; increased compressive strength, reduced water permeability and improved abrasion resistance. All vital in a semi-marine environment.
Firth Thames is looking forward to the challenges that supplying this significant project will bring. Already they are making production improvements at the plant to cope with the extra demand. The new bridge will meet modern safety and structural standards and will be an essential link for emergency services. But for visitors the increased traffic capacity and an end to long delays, is the best news.
Currently the new Kopu Bridge is on target to be completed by mid 2012.