Te Ara Tika
Te Kuiti's new pedestrian railway over bridge Te Ara Tika is now open for use!!!
Click here to view the latest time-lapse video
Read about our latest updates here
"A lot of work has gone on to get us to this point.
The new bridge will be a very positive statement for Te Kuiti."
Mayor John Robertson
Some facts:
- Construction began on 12 January 2021
- On average 197 people use the bridge every day.
- Te Ara Tika means the right pathway and will feature weaving patterns across the length of the bridge.
- 73% of the project cost is being covered by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
- The new bridge is durable, low maintenance and will improve access for pedestrians.
- The build allow for future development in the area.
- Te Ara Tika will is the third overbridge for the town. The first was built in the late 1800s and the second one 32 years ago.
The original over bridge was built in the late 1800s.
The importance of cultural connection
The new bridge will be known as ‘Te Ara Tika’ which means the right pathway. This captures the historical stories and connections to Te Kuiti’s waterways, coastal relationships, kaitiakitanga – care of our land and Te Nehenehenui. The name also introduces the learning experience available from the journey across the bridge.
The bridge will capture the important history of the town, people and landscape through the inclusion of weaving patterns and their stories. Distinctive weaving patterns will feature across the bridge. The hope is that it will support an increased knowledge of the rich history of Te Kuiti, its people, landscape and its contributing area.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Design features:
- Fully engineered to modern design standards
- Provides better connection to Rora Street
- Ramp and stair options available both sides of bridge
- A central courtyard will be created which will feature a basketball half-court, seating and carparking.
- Designed to enhance visibility from both directions
- Material colours designed to reflect seasonal hues and natural landscape
- Lighting to be incorporated to accentuate shape and form of bridge during night-time
- Artistic elements in the form of raranga (weaving) patterns and narratives across bridge which will recognise people, history, landscape, places of interest and original ownership of land crossed by the bridge.
Project Milestones to date:
| From 2013 |
Engineering inspections begin, these identify structural issues and later confirm the bridge has reached the end of its life. |
| November 2018 |
WDC makes the decision to replace the bridge and rebuild in existing location. |
| From November 2019 |
Community consultation on the new bridge design concepts begin which included: mana whenua, youth, residents and Legendary Te Kuiti. |
| March 2020 |
Public feedback on design concepts invited |
| May 2020 |
Decision on final design concept made. |
| August 2020 |
Design approved and tenders sought. |
| September 2020 |
Tenders closed. |
| November 2020 |
Contract awarded to Fulton Hogan Ltd |
| December 2020 |
Construction phase begins |
| January 2021 |
Onsite construction commences |
| May 2021 |
Second stage commences |
| July 2021 |
The main span beams will be craned into position on top of the columns. The remaining ramp slabs forming the spiral will be craned into position once work on the basketball half-court and surrounds beneath the beam has been completed.
|
| November 2021 |
On 20 November 2021 Te Ara Tika was blessed by Rev Barney Winikerei, allowing pedestrians to now safely cross the railway corridor in Te Kuiti.
The main items still to be completed are the weave patterns and narrative panels, which will come complete with QR codes and sound bites. Due to COVID restrictions, there has been a delay in completing this important design aspect of the overbridge. However, once completed we will be able to host an official opening some time in the New Year.
|
