Te Awa River Ride Project: Managaonoa Gully Section
The 65km Te Awa River Ride is one of the most scenic cycling and walking trails in New Zealand. Winding between the towns of Ngaruawahia, Hamilton, Cambridge and through to Lake Karapiro. The cycleway stands as a remarkable feat of cycle way infrastructure.
32m Glulam Timber Truss bridge/ Image credit: Te Awa River Ride Charitable Trust
Keir Landscaping and Structures Ltd (KLS) partnered with Base Civil Ltd to seamlessly integrate bridges and elevated boardwalks into the Mangaonoa Gully, while addressing the need to minimize its effect on the environment. Throughout this project logistical hurdles and complex engineering tasks were overcome, highlighting the dedication and expertise of the project team.
Vision and Execution:
Te Awa River Ride Charitable Trust had an ambitious goal. It was: To create a three-meter-wide cycleway traversing the picturesque Mangaonoa Gully. The aim was to make it accessible to a huge range of users and abilities. Keir Landscaping and Structures Ltd took on the challenge, tasked with supplying and installing various components essential to the project's success.
From the sturdy steel H-beam walls to an elevated boardwalk spanning 180 meters, every aspect of the cycleway demanded meticulous planning and execution. The installation of four 9-meter steel span bridges that terrace out of the gully required precision engineering and construction. Cut slopes required percussive anchoring techniques to ensure stability and longevity. And the construction of the 32m Glulam Timber Truss bridge further illustrated the team’s commitment to quality and innovation.
Challenges and Triumphs:
The Mangaonoa Gully Section was not without its hurdles. Procuring materials and managing logistics though Covid in 2021 tested the project's timeline. The entire Keir Landscaping and Structures Ltd team had to be adaptable and resourceful. Yet, their collective expertise proved invaluable in overcoming these challenges.
The Hooker Road section posed its own set of obstacles, with soft sloping ground beneath ancient Kahikatea trees requiring delicate handling. Likewise, the Hamilton section demanded innovative solutions, including benching, retaining, and anchoring on wet, sloping terrain. All three sections sat in unique districts and required collaboration between Waipa District Council, Waikato District Council, Hamilton City Council and Waka Kotahi.
Despite these challenges, the results speak volumes. The execution of the Te Awa River Ride Cycleway sections by Keir Landscaping and Structures Ltd is more than just the construction of a cycling route. It is a harmonious blend of modern infrastructure and nature - a world-class recreation experience for all to enjoy.
Image credit: Te Awa River Ride Charitable Trust