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Construction of a new suspension bridge on the Tongariro River Trail has reached a major milestone, with almost 70 tonnes of concrete poured to anchor the structure ahead of its planned opening later this year.
The Department of Conservation says the concrete has been used to create the buried anchor blocks and tower foundations that will support the bridge’s cables.
Project manager Wayne Boness says the work is a key step in replacing the existing suspension bridge, which is nearing 70 years old.
“Deadmen are basically what holds the bridge up and supports the cables, so we want to be 100 per cent sure they will not budge.”
With the concrete now curing, construction crews will begin erecting the steel towers before installing the bridge deck.
The replacement bridge is being built in partnership with Ngāti Tūrangitukua and the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board and will replace the ageing crossing on the popular Tongariro River Trail.
Funded through the International Visitor Levy, the bridge is expected to open by October 2026. Visitors are being asked to follow on-site signage while construction continues.
