New Johnsonville bridge takes shape

Work on the new Broderick Road bridge is going well and this weekend Johnsonville residents will start to see the deck taking shape.

Seven pre-cast concrete bridge beams are expected to be craned into position on Saturday (1 November) to create the first half of the bridge, which is being constructed in two parts to minimise disruption. The beams are 18m long and weigh about 26 tonnes.

Locals are invited to drop by to watch and find out more about the project and other road improvements planned in the suburb. The area next to the site office (behind Richard’s Motorcycle Services) in Broderick Road will be open to the public from 10am to 2pm.

The new bridge – and other work at the intersection of Moorefield and Broderick roads – is part of a wider project by Wellington City Council and the NZ Transport Agency to make getting around Johnsonville easier.

Work began in late August and most of the activity so far has been below the road next to the railway line.

The Council’s Acting Transport and Urban Development Committee Chair, Deputy Mayor Justin Lester, says the piles for the first half of the bridge are in, the abutments are almost complete and all going well, the first of the pre-cast beams will be lifted into place this weekend.

The beam lift is expected to happen rain or shine but could be cancelled if there are very high winds.

The new bridge will be wider than the existing bridge with footpaths and cycle lanes on each side and four traffic lanes (three at first and space for a future fourth lane).
It will also have a longer span so there is enough room underneath for a second train line at Johnsonville Station.

Cr Lester says the second train line is not planned at this stage but the bridge has an expected life of 100 years so it makes sense to plan for a growing population and future public transport improvements.

Between now and mid-November, there will also be work happening at the intersection of Moorefield and Broderick roads – so people using this area should expect delays at times. Trenches will be dug in sections across the intersection for new water, sewer and stormwater pipes.

“I would like to thank Johnsonville residents for their patience. Motorists in the area have been very understanding and recognise there will be some short term pain for longer-term gain,” Cr Lester says.

For updates on the project visit Wellington.govt.nz/jvilleroads or email johnsonvilleroads@wcc.govt.nz

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