Brooker
bridge

Located in the heart of Christchurch’s red zone, Brooker Bridge was once a well-used pedestrian crossing over Corsers Stream. Following the devastating 2011 Canterbury earthquakes, the original bridge was severely damaged and subsequently the deck was removed, leaving only the substructure in place. Although the surrounding residential properties were demolished as part of the red zone, the area remained a popular recreational destination, and the bridge provided an important connection for walkers and cyclists.

Recognising the significance of this crossing, Christchurch City Council commissioned the replacement of the bridge to restore safe public access through the area. As a member of the Christchurch City Council Parks Capital Works Panel, HGM was invited to tender for the project and was proud to be selected to deliver the project.

Scope of Works

Removal of the existing bridge piles and surrounding vegetation clearance as required for the new bridge.
Installation of 8 x 300mm diameter timber piles 5-meter deep along with timber abutments.
Coordination and management of specialist subcontractor to fabricate and coat the structural steel subframe and handrails.
Prefabrication of the timber bridge structure, decking and handrails at the HGM workshop.
Transportation of the completed 13-metre bridge to site and installation in a single crane lift onto the prepared abutments.
Construction of the bridge approaches and integration with the surrounding pathways.

Project Highlights

The bridge was constructed using Saligna hardwood throughout, chosen for its exceptional strength, durability and striking natural appearance. While Saligna is renowned for its performance, its density and hardness make it a demanding material to work with. HGM’s experienced carpenters, supported by specialised equipment and quality tooling, delivered a high standard of craftsmanship, ensuring every detail met the project’s exacting quality requirements.

Prefabricating the bridge in HGM’s workshop provided significant advantages. Working in a controlled environment enhanced quality, reduced waste on site ( all sawdust was contained to the workshop), improved safety, and reduced the manual handling associated with the heavy hardwood components. It also streamlined the on-site installation process, allowing the completed bridge to be lifted into place in a single operation.

This construction methodology delivered important environmental benefits. By installing the bridge as a complete structure, there was no requirement for personnel or machinery to enter Corsers Stream, minimising disturbance to the waterway, native vegetation and surrounding wildlife habitat. The reduced on-site construction programme also limited disruption to the public’s use of the reserve.

The Outcome

The project was completed smoothly without any significant programme delays or quality incidences. The finished bridge combines robust engineering with the warmth and character of exposed Saligna timber, creating an attractive and enduring asset for the community.

Brooker Bridge is a project that reflects HGM’s commitment to quality, innovation and practical construction solutions. Bridge construction is a specialist service our team is passionate about, and this project demonstrates our ability to deliver complex, high-quality infrastructure that is built to last.

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Location

Corsers Stream, Burwood, Christchurch
(between Belair Close and Brooker Avenue)

Client

Christchurch City Council

Date

2025

Timber bridge structure under construction inside a workshop with framing, posts and decking supports being assembled. The image highlights bridge construction, timber structures, structure construction and project management before site installation.

Civil contractors preparing a timber bridge structure inside a workshop before transport and installation. The project highlights bridge construction, timber structures, structure construction, sling operations and careful project management.

A timber bridge structure being loaded and handled by civil contractors using crane equipment and sling operations during bridge construction. The image shows project management, machinery transport and structure construction for a recreation construction project.

Timber bridge section suspended by crane above a reserve waterway during installation by civil contractors. The image highlights bridge construction, sling operations, timber structures and site construction for recreation acc

Aerial view of civil construction crews installing a timber bridge over a waterway, with excavation equipment and siteworks visible around the bridge construction area. This image shows civil contractors managing complex construction projects involving timber structures, erosion control, park construction and walking track construction.

Completed timber bridge crossing water in a densely planted reserve environment. The image shows bridge construction, timber structures, recreation construction and civil construction delivered as part of public access infrastructure.

Aerial view of a completed timber bridge crossing a narrow waterway with formed access paths at each end. The project shows bridge construction, civil construction, recreation construction and siteworks within a natural reserve environment.

Completed timber bridge crossing a calm waterway with natural planting reflected in the water below. This civil construction project includes bridge construction, timber structures, recreation construction and public access siteworks.

Low angle view of a timber bridge above a wetland stream, showing the underside structure and timber balustrades. This bridge construction project includes timber structures, civil construction and recreation construction for safe public access through a reserve.

Finished timber bridge crossing a small waterway within a landscaped reserve area. The image shows bridge construction, timber structures, civil construction and recreation construction for public walking access.

Completed timber bridge construction surrounded by native planting and reserve landscaping. This civil construction project includes timber structures, recreation construction and siteworks to improve safe public access across a waterway.

Finished timber bridge construction with timber balustrades and deck boards forming a safe crossing through a reserve. The image shows recreation construction, civil construction, timber structures and siteworks for public access.

Strong reputation for practical and reliable solutions

From steep hill stabilisation to remote backcountry builds, from power infrastructure to recreation spaces — we specialise in complex, high-risk, technically demanding projects across Canterbury and the wider South Island.