Background
Kopurererua Valley is a 364-hectare reserve of ecological and cultural importance
nestled between residential suburbs in Tauranga. Stretching from Judea in the north to Tauriko in the south, it shares boundaries with the communities of Cambridge Heights, Te Reti, Gate Pa, Greerton, and Westridge, with a network of walking tracks linking these suburbs and numerous recreational and reserve spaces. The Kopurererua Stream runs down the middle of the valley, and it has been a serious barrier to pedestrians crossing from one side of the valley to the other.
Tauranga City Council has partnered with Ngāi Tamarāwaho and the Bay of Plenty Regional
Council to revitalise the Kopurererua Valley, including the restoration of the original stream
alignment to provide improved water quality outcomes for the Tauranga Harbour. The works included the construction of two new pedestrian/cycle bridges to maintain
access across the new stream alignment for reserve users.
Project Outcomes
The Tiaki Engineering Consultants designed two steel-and-timber upright truss bridges for pedestrian/cycle access over the Kopurererua Stream. The 21.5 metre and 18.5 metre-long bridges were designed with a no-frills steel superstructure that makes the most of the geometric charm of the trusses. Smaller-sectioned diagonal braces give the trusses a refined appearance, without adding cost or complexity. The deck and handrails have been
constructed in timber, with anti-climb handrails for safety over the watercourses.
These bridges show how good engineering and nature can go hand in hand. Through their design and strategic placement, these bridges are now important parts of the overall plan for the valley, connecting neighbourhoods and creating cycling and walking links for the community. This project has contributed to Kopurererua Valley’s restoration, ensuring safe and accessible passage for all while preserving the valley’s inherent beauty and cultural significance.
We are proud to say, that the installation of these bridges resulted in our client Bridge It NZ winning the prestigious CCNZ BOP Construction Awards 2023 category 1A for projects under $1m award.
Jeandre le Roux
Project Manager
Project Details
| Type of work | Design |
| Project name: | Kopurererua Valley Reserve Restoration Bridges |
| Client: | Bridge It NZ & Tauranga City Council |
| Department: | Structures |
| Location: | Greerton, Tauranga |
| Commencement: | October 2021 |
| Sign-Off Date: | February 2022 |
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Our breadth of specialised knowledge has allowed us to provide and oversee unique and practical design solutions for a wide range of projects across the North Island, and as far as Scott Base, Antarctica.
Let’s discuss what Tiaki Engineering Consulting can do for your civil, geotechnical or structural engineering project.
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Email TECL directly and we’ll forward your enquiry to the most appropriate person.
Email Us
Email TECL directly and we’ll forward your enquiry to the most appropriate person.