Viaduct Bascule Bridge

Mid 2023 to December 2024

  • Wynyard Quarter
  • In Progress

Installed in 1932, the Viaduct Bascule Bridge is one of the few bridges of its type in the world.

The bridge was fabricated by the Cleveland Bridge and Engineering Co Ltd, Darlington, England.

It is a steel bascule rolling truss bridge. The Auckland Harbour Board installed it to span the 13.7m between the Eastern and Western Viaducts. It originally carried a railway connected to oil loading facilities on Wynyard Wharf and was raised and lowered at the arrival and departure of the fishing fleet.

It was manually operated and raised by rolling back 90° on its cam ends under counterweight. A pinion moved along a horizontal rack at the height of the centre of the cam-end circle. Later driven by electricity, it was in use until the development of the Maritime Museum on Hobson Wharf in 1992.

Now it’s used as a thoroughfare between Wynyard Quarter and the city centre and has been preserved for its engineering heritage value.

Extending its lifespan

Deck replacement

Because the Viaduct Bascule Bridge is now over 90 years old, its decking had to be completely replaced in 2023. This will extend the deck's lifespan by a further 50 years or more.

 

Upper structure maintenance

Essential maintenance is underway on the bridge's upper structure to ensure its ongoing reliable and safe operation. This project includes removing the existing coating, addressing corrosion and applying a new protective membrane. The work will generally occur from Monday through to Saturday, between 7am to 10pm, with completion expected in December 2024.

Please note: Apart from the first and last days of the project, full access to Te Wero Island for vehicles and pedestrians will be maintained.

What to expect:

  • Initial closure: On 2 November, the bridge will be closed to allow for the installation of scaffolding. The scaffolding will be wrapped in a protective covering to contain dust and debris. During this time, access to and from Te Wero Island will be unavailable. The area under the wrap will form a tunnel measuring 3 metres wide by 2.5 metres high.

  • Reopening and blasting works: Once the scaffolding and wrap is up, the bridge will be reopened for access, and blasting work will begin. Contractors will have spotters in place to ensure blasting stops whenever pedestrians or vehicles are passing underneath.

  • Re-coating and final closure: After the blasting is complete, the structure will be re-coated, and once the coating is dry, the scaffolding and protective wrap will be removed. Access to Te Wero Island will again be unavailable on this final day. Those affected by this closure will be notified closer to the date.

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