Quality Roading and Services (QRS) Wairoa made local transport history in May with the dismantling, strengthening, and rebuild of Waitahora Bridge all in only 68 hours.
QRS construction manager Mike Wilson says Wairoa District Council specified the bridge was to be closed for the minimum period of time to reduce disruption to the public and keep construction costs down. “We were up for the challenge and as a result, were awarded the contract,” he says.
A woman in labour was one of the last people to cross the old Waitahora Bridge before it closed at 9am on Friday, May 11 for work to begin on lifting the bridge deck and two outside beams from the bridge abutments.
There was an early problem to overcome when it was discovered the bridge deck and beams were too heavy for the CR Taylor 30-ton crane to safely lift it.
“Getting rid of the bridge deck in one hit rather than dismantling it onsite was the main reason we’d have been able to turn the project around so quickly,” Mike says. “But part of the meticulous planning for this project was to have contingencies in place.”
Rather than lifting it all at once, the deck was instead separated from all five beams below and lifted first. The two outside beams were lifted separately.
The project was now running a couple of hours behind, then it began to rain. A torrential downpour dogged the five-strong QRS day shift who cleaned, painted, then welded stiffening plates onto the three centre beams.
Meanwhile two new outside beams, supplied by Universal Engineering, were welded and bolted into place.
Rain continued all through the night making it slow going for the five-strong night shift, who worked predominantly on reattaching a new timber deck.
The 16-strong team of scaffolders, painters, sandblasters, welders, and QRS staff worked in shifts around the clock to get the work done. Powerful flood lights were used so works could continue through the night.
Mike says despite the teeming rain and tough working conditions, the QRS staff never complained and instead threw themselves into finishing the bridge replacement ahead of schedule. “They got stuck in, stayed safe, and the mood was always great,” he says.
“When it comes to time constrained construction projects like this, strong relationships between the people working on the job site are of highest importance. We all want the project finished safely and efficiently before the deadline.”
The 16-strong QRS Wairoa team of scaffolders, painters, sandblasters, welders, and QRS staff worked in shifts around the clock to get the Waitahora Bridge work completed. Powerful flood lights were used so works could continue through the night.
QRS chief executive Nigel Pollock poured praise on the QRS staff who worked tirelessly to have the bridge reopened on time ensuring less disruption for the public.
“In this instance the teamwork displayed has led to a speedy safe outcome for everyone,” he says. Everyone involved can be very, very proud of their achievement.”
QRS was pleased to learn later that a healthy baby girl was born in Hastings hospital a day after they closed the bridge.
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The dismantling, restrengthening and rebuild of the Waitahora Bridge was completed in only 68 hours.
