Work has begun on the Manganui Bridge in the Taranaki Crossing, as seen in this artist's interpretation. Photo: Supplied / DC Structures Studio
Work has begun on a 110-metre suspension bridge over the Manganui Gorge on Taranaki Maunga, marking a new phase of the Taranaki Crossing project.
The 1.2m-wide bridge will sit 50m above the gorge and connect the plateau carpark with the only ski field on the maunga via a 30-minute walk.
Built to withstand 210km/h winds and to last 100 years, it will become a key link in the $13.4 million Taranaki Crossing, a network of tracks linking Dawson Falls to the Ahukawakawa wetland and over the Pouakai Ranges to the end of Mangorei Road.
About 25km of tracks will be upgraded as part of the Taranaki which visitors to Te Papakura o Taranaki (Egmont National Park) could experience as a series of day walks, or a multi-day tramp.
Funded through the Provincial Growth Fund the crossing is being delivered in partnership by Ngā iwi o Taranaki, the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment.
DOC Taranaki operations manager Gareth Hopkins said this week Ngāti Ruanui iwi members recited karakia at a blessing of the site attended by DOC staff, members of the Taranaki Crossing governance group and personnel from the companies contracted to deliver the project.
"Partnership and meaningful engagement are key aspects of the Taranaki Crossing kaupapa, so we were delighted and honoured to be able to stand alongside Ngāti Ruanui and our other stakeholders as this part of the project got underway."
Ngāti Ruanui, Deputy Tumu W'akaae, Ngapari Nui said it was great to see a partnership of two years come together with the start of the bridge's construction.
"We have been involved with the bridge design, location including key cultural considerations which will ensure an enduring legacy for all."
"Projects like this are the blueprint for the future; working together to improve cultural connections along with enhancing the economic and tourist potential of the Maunga."
Ngāti Ruanui commissioned an artist to designed the mast and balustrade panels to add a strong cultural representation to the bridge and emphasise the significance of Taranaki Maunga to the iwi of Taranaki.
Taranaki Crossing project manager Carl Whittleston said the bridge be vital component of the trek.
"It's almost like a missing link there because what the bridge does is to allow people to get safely from the plateau through to the Manganui Ski Lodge and skifield and reverse.
"The gorge previously has been a high risk area particularly during the winter seasons when there's a risk of avalanche around and what this bridge will do is remove that risk completely and it will also be an attractive place to visit in and of itself."
Whittleston said the bigger avalanches have gone up to 20 metres up the sides of the gorge.
Meanwhile, Hopkins said the main contractor, Abseil Access, specialises in this type of construction, while other subcontractors - including local Taranaki firms - were fabricating bridge components off-site.
"Several Taranaki companies will be supporting the build, providing services including helicopter flights and materials and supplies like concrete and food.
"We're pleased to be able to support Taranaki businesses through this investment and ensure there's work for local people."
Hopkins said many of the construction team were multidisciplined tradespeople also qualified in working at heights and from ropes.
Contractors would be based at the Stratford Mountain Club Lodge during construction.
The bridge, due to be completed in April, would be constructed using 850m of steel support cables, 2800m of handrail infill cables, approximately 10.5 cubic metres of concrete, with 430 clips holding down the custom-coloured deck material. It would also include 24 in-ground rock anchors, and 9-degree inward leaning masts - some of its most striking features.