Published 10/07/2024
Whakawhirinaki: The Silverstream Water Bridge to be lifted into place across Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River
Wellingtonians are about to see Whakawhirinaki: The Silverstream Water Bridge and Shared Path take its full form as a resilient new asset, carrying bulk water supplies across Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River.
The central arch of the steel bridge is set to be lifted into place across the river later this week (12 July weather permitting) downstream from the existing road and rail bridges connecting State Highway 2 to Fergusson Drive. The third and final bridge section will be lifted into place the following day.
It marks a major milestone in a multi-year water infrastructure investment project led by Wellington Water on behalf of Greater Wellington Regional Council to replace and realign bulk water pipes at Silverstream to cross Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River.
Greater Wellington councillor and Te Awa Kairangi Committee chair Ros Connelly says Whakawhirinaki is a critical asset for the security of the region’s water supply.
“As Whakawhirinaki takes shape, the region can have increased confidence in our ability to deliver safe bulk water supplies through modern infrastructure designed to withstand natural hazards,” Cr Connelly says.
“The bridge will also enhance recreation opportunities on the Hutt River for walkers and cyclists.”
Whakawhirinaki is part of a larger long-term bulk water infrastructure investment programme that includes the Kaitoke Pipe Bridge replacement, water main upgrades across the Wellington region and upgrade works to optimise the capacity of the Te Mārua Water Treatment Plant.
Wellington Water Chief Executive Tonia Haskell says completing the Whakawhirinaki crossing is the culmination of many months’ work, assembling the three steel sections of the steel bridge.
“People will have seen these structures being assembled on the banks of the river, in particular the huge main central arch weighing over 150 tonnes. Now, in what will be an impressive exercise, we’re about to see the final bridge sections lifted into place.”
A 40m steel truss on the east bank is assembled and awaiting install once the main arch is positioned. Once in place, permanent lights will be installed on the bridge, a condition of the project's resource consent to protect birds from striking the structure.
Wellington Water Project Director Gareth Penhale shares that, over the coming months, the focus will be on installing permanent steel deck on the arch bridge for the pedestrian and cycling pathway before installing the new bulk water pipe.
“Work is proceeding at pace, and we’re pleased to say Whakawhirinaki is on track to be completed by April 2025.”
All of Upper Hutt, Stokes Valley, Porirua and much of Wellington City’s water supply comes from the Te Mārua water treatment plant, on average, around 40% of the region’s total water supply. Water sourced from Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River is collected and treated at the Te Mārua Water Treatment Plant before travelling along a critical bulk water pipeline that crosses the river at Silverstream.
Editor notes
Wellington Water is owned and fully funded by Wellington City Council, Hutt City Council, Porirua City Council, and Upper Hutt City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council and South Wairarapa District Council. All six councils are equal shareholders.
Our councils own the water infrastructure in the region, and they task us to manage the infrastructure and deliver water services to our communities.
Wellington Water is governed by a Board of Directors. The Board and our organisation receive overall leadership and direction from the Wellington Water Committee, which are also responsible for appointing members to the Board.
The Wellington Water Committee is made up of representatives from our council owners and mana whenua.