Returning Te Wero Wynyard Crossing Bridge to service Explainer:

The Te Wero Wynyard Crossing Bridge, an important link between Auckland City Centre and the Wynyard Quarter, has been closed to the public since March 2024 to undergo a significant programme of preventative maintenance works.

This includes a full overhaul of old mechanical and electrical parts, sand-blasting and remedying steelwork and applying new protective coatings. At the completion of the physical works, a thorough commissioning process and acceptance tests will be conducted to ensure the bridge is reliable and safe for public use.  

While the works are carried out, the bridge will remain closed to pedestrians.  When the spans are in place, but the bridge is out of operation, the spans legally have to remain upright to allow free access to marine traffic, a condition of the bridge’s resource consent.

The bridge is due to return to full service in December 2024.

Because of the complexity of this project and the nature of the works, a date for the bridge to reopen to the public is still to be confirmed.  As the project team get further through the programme and gain more certainty around remaining tasks, they will be able to more accurately specify a completion date.  

There are two programmes of works underway – structural, i.e. the physical bridge itself, and mechanical and engineering (M&E), i.e. everything needed to operate the bridge.  

These maintenance programmes have been running independently of each other and will soon reach the point where they will integrate as we enter the final phases of this large, complex project and the bridge is rebuilt in Wynyard Quarter.  

The return of the physical structures, including the spans and engine rooms, will allow specialist technicians to begin the works to reanimate the bridge.  So while it might look like it’s back and should be open, there will be a lot going on behind the scenes for the recommissioning in December to ensure long-term durability and reliability.

Below is further information on what works are underway in September. We’ll be providing this monthly update until the bridge returns to service.

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What is happening in September?

Structural works have seen the removable steel parts of the bridge, including the spans and engine rooms, relocated to a purpose-build compound on Wynyard Wharf for protective coating repairs using a jack-up barge.  Doing this work offsite meant it could be done quickly and efficiently, with less disruption for surrounding users and reduce the risks associated with health and safety.

Safety hoardings have been installed on Karanga Plaza and Te Wero Island to secure the area around the parts of the bridge that can’t be moved to allow on-site works.  Structures and wraps will enclose these spaces while works are underway to contain any discharge including dust and paint flakes

Once these works are complete, the jack-up barge will return bridge elements for reinstallation.  Lifting each part individually into position is just the start, as once secured there is still a lot to do to ready the bridge for service. This includes starting the work to fully refit and rewire the entire structure so that it’s operational again, which will take a couple of months to complete. 

Considerable maintenance has been underway on the mechanical components since the bridge closed in March, with the majority of parts replaced or refurbished including winches and cables.  Because parts for this specific bridge are no longer manufactured, meaning there are no ‘off-the-shelf’ options available, comparable parts have been commissioned or imported and are either being adapted for use off site ready for installation, or will be as they’re refitted.

Additionally, the maintenance team has checked and restocked spares, ensuring good stocks of consumables are available locally when needed in future, and ensuring long lead items are held as critical spares.
Next month will see the engine room reinstallations begin – we’ll have more updates on that and other works at the beginning of October.