West Coast Wilderness Trail Kaniere Water Race upgrades
The upgrades to the bridges on the Kaniere Water Race section of the West Coast Wilderness Trail are going well. The project includes the replacement of three narrow bridges.
Weather and supply chain disruptions have caused some delays with both fabrication and on-site safety issues. Two of the three bridges are essentially completed, and this section of trail is expected to be open to walkers and riders by the end of July.
At the beginning of July work on the three bridges had progressed:
- Foundations, gabions and slabs for the long steel bridge were completed and poured. The main structure on the largest bridge was helicoptered in by Anderson Helicopters and the deck grating was fitted. Contractors completed the cross-bracing and importing approach backfill.
- At bridge 2 the existing structure was removed and, footings were excavated and poured onsite in preparation to assemble the new bridge structure.
- The existing structure at bridge 3 was disconnected from piles and new footings were excavated and poured. A new beam and handrail were carted to the site for attachment after the initial set of footings, and old components were removed from the site.
The final stages of backfilling and track reinstatement will be completed soon.
Photos – Liddell Contracting & WDC
