Bridge

Over the years structures have been built to gain access to the farm but the river has cleaned away all but a few remnants. Having farmed without a bridge for 14 years, it’s long been a dream to be able to cross without being at the mercy of the weather or shape of the shifting riverbed.

Below is the design concept by John Higginbotham from Nelson Consulting Engineers (designed the new bridge at Lee-Wairoa intersection). Concrete was favoured by TDC due to its low maintenance and durability.

Craig Thelin has made some amendments to the design; removing most of the gabion wall, strengthening and deepening the piers, raising the height of the deck.