Viaduct Bascule Bridge

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.

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.

Viaduct Bascule Bridge maintenance in progress

Essential maintenance is underway on the Viaduct Bascule Bridge’s upper structure to ensure its ongoing reliable and safe operation. This work includes removing the existing protective coating, addressing corrosion and applying a new protective membrane.

Work schedule:

• Monday to Saturday, 7.30am to 6pm. Quiet works (such as painting) may  extend to 10pm.
  
  
• Work is expected to finish in December, ahead of the Wynyard Crossing Bridge’s reopening.

Work details:

• Scaffolding and containment: Scaffolding has been wrapped to contain dust and debris during blasting. A spotter will be stationed below the work area to ensure the work site remains secure.
  
  
• Blasting works: From Saturday 16 November to approximately Wednesday 27 November, old paint and rust will be removed using damp abrasive blasting, which minimises dust. Noise-dampening panels will be used, with work taking place primarily between 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday, weather permitting.
  
  
• Re-coating and clean-up: After blasting, a new coating will be applied, and scaffolding will be removed.
  
  
• Access to Te Wero Island: Vehicle and pedestrian access will remain open, except on the final project day when scaffolding is removed.