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Media Release

Date: 16 October, 2012

Bridge spans hospital street

Supplied photos available on DHB website Wednesday morning.

Hamilton got a new addition to the skyline when a street-spanning bridge was lifted into place at Waiora Waikato Hospital last night.

The 38-metre footbridge spanning Pembroke Street links the main hospital campus with the Older Persons and Rehabilitation Services building currently being built.

The bridge was built by Hawkins Construction on a nearby Tawa Street site, off Kahikatea Drive, and transported to the hospital and lifted into place last night.

Traffic on Kahikatea Drive and around the Braemar Hospital corner was delayed while the bridge was hauled up to the hospital site and lifted into position by two cranes.

Project manager Jason Addison said he was pleased to see the bridge in the air by just after 8.30 last night.

“It’s been a big job and involved a lot of people but it has all come together really well. I’d like to thank all the people and agencies involved and the motorists who were very patient.”

Two large cranes, the biggest a 19.4m 300-tonne-lift machine, put the bridge on to a transporter in the afternoon before they headed to Pembroke Street for the final lifting.

While there were traffic restrictions around Pembroke Street emergency services still had access to the hospital. The street was to remain closed all night as installation work continued.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

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