Waka Kotahi maintains New Zealand’s stock of civil emergency bridging stock (Bailey Bridges). Our Bailey bridge stock is held across the North Island and South Island. Waka Kotahi is responsible for supplying and erecting the Bailey bridges, through our contractor Downer. The roading authorities, councils for local roads and Waka Kotahi for state highways, are responsible for overall design and site enabling works.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) currently has responsibility for prioritising the allocation of bridges in regions affected by Cyclone Gabrielle, with input from Waka Kotahi and local authorities.
NEMA has worked with Waka Kotahi and local authorities to identify bridges that suffered damage during Cyclone Gabrielle and where a temporary bridge will help reconnect the community. Some of these sites are suitable for Bailey bridges. A Bailey bridge superstructure can be installed relatively quickly, but first the site needs to be prepared, and this can take some time. Other sites may be suitable for other types of temporary structure, or a permanent fix.
