Olympic Park: An (almost) electrifying experience

Olympic Park: An (almost) electrifying experience

Press Release: URS New Zealand

The opening of Olympic Park on Sunday the 9th of March was proudly supported by URS New Zealand. The Engineering and Environmental Management consultancy provided the engineering design for the unique footbridge, incorporating highly regarded local artist Steve Woodward’s artistic vision.

With the project complete and receiving wide acclaim, including New Zealand Recreation Association's (NZRA) Outstanding Park Award 2007, URS engineers were contracted to provide an innovative solution to enable the footbridge to be constructed.

For URS Senior Structural Engineer Julijana Gorgievska, it was one of the most challenging projects she had worked on. The unique design coupled with its close proximity to a 220 kV power line, almost resulted in the footbridge being unable to be completed.

“Despite being the recommended distance from the pylons, we quickly brought the project to a halt when nearby pylons began crackling and sparking during the first attempt to raise the bridge.”

Unable to move the location of the bridge as it also cleverly hides a sewerage pipe, the URS team connected the bridge’s columns to the crane and earthed them both. Earthing the entire bridge, allowed it to be completed successfully and safely, and used without concern.

In addition to the bridge, URS also provided carparking and stormwater system designs for the park.

ENDS

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