HGM Construction was engaged by the Department of Conservation to deliver and install a new foot bridge on the Mt Sunday Track in Hakatere Conservation Park.
Surrounded by the Southern Alps and the Rangitata River, Mt Sunday is known for its wide-open landscape and impressive views. The location was also used as Edoras, the capital of Rohan, in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.
Prefabricated for a remote location
The 18-metre bridge was constructed using rolled steel beams to create its curved shape. It was finished with timber decking, timber handrails and access ramps at each end.
To make the on-site installation more efficient, the bridge was prefabricated in HGM’s Christchurch workshop. This controlled environment allowed our team to complete the fabrication and assembly before transporting the finished structure to Mt Sunday.
Ocean Spray Transport Ltd transported the bridge to site using a trombone semi-trailer suited to carrying long and oversized loads.
The bridge is supported by in-situ concrete foundations and nine-metre deep driven steel piles, providing a strong base suited to the site and surrounding conditions.
Completing the foundation works in a remote conservation area required practical planning, specialist equipment and careful coordination. These are all key parts of HGM’s approach to technically demanding projects across Canterbury and the wider South Island.
Carefully planned installation
Once the bridge arrived at Mt Sunday, it was carefully lifted from the transporter and placed onto the prepared foundations using two HGM 13-ton excavators.
The tandem lift required both excavators and operators to work together with accuracy and clear communication. A detailed lift plan was prepared before work began, outlining the equipment, positioning, responsibilities and controls required to complete the installation safely.
With the planning in place, the HGM team successfully positioned the 18-metre structure onto its foundations before completing the timber ramps and final installation work.
Safety and environmental
Health and safety were considered at every stage, from workshop fabrication and transport through to the final lift and installation.
HGM’s safety process begins before work starts, with site assessments and project-specific planning used to identify hazards, operational risks and environmental considerations. For this project, strict lift plans, site procedures and communication protocols were followed to protect the team and support a controlled installation.
Working within a conservation area also required careful environmental management. The team followed the required procedures throughout the project to minimise disturbance to the surrounding land and waterways.
This approach reflects HGM’s commitment to safe and responsible project delivery, guided by a simple goal: everyone goes home safe.
Specialist capability
This project brought together several areas of HGM’s capability, including bridge construction, steel fabrication, piling, concrete foundations, heavy transport coordination and specialist lifting.
With a diverse fleet, experienced operators and more than 20 years of civil construction experience, HGM is equipped to take on complex projects in remote, steep and difficult-access locations.
The completed bridge provides a practical new crossing for visitors exploring one of Canterbury’s most recognisable landscapes. It is also a great example of what can be achieved through smart planning, workshop prefabrication and a skilled team on site.
