A community reconnected

The bridge was a key piece of infrastructure, being an important link in the South Island, and crucial for businesses in South Westland who needed it to get goods both in and out of the area. Army engineers were called in and helped rebuild the bridge, using a tried and true method, a Bailey bridge, that has been in use since the Second World War.

Lieutenant Colonel Terry McDonald, then the Commanding Officer of the 2nd Engineer Regiment, said 18 personnel from the 2nd Engineer Regiment worked with the New Zealand Transport Agency and engineering and construction company Downer New Zealand to replace the bridge.

It is great to contribute our professional expertise to support government agencies responding to communities that need our assistance.

Lieutenant Colonel Terry McDonald

The Transport Agency’s contracted Bailey bridge installation expert Downer requested the NZDF’s support for the reconstruction of the seven-span Bailey bridge that crosses Waiho River.  

A Bailey bridge is a type of portable, pre-fabricated truss bridge developed by the British for military use during the Second World War.

The new 170-metre Waiho Bridge is one of the longest Bailey bridges Army engineers had been involved in building since the Second World War.

We know how important a link it is in the South Island and for the businesses in South Westland and the Army engineers played a vital part in the restoration of a key piece of infrastructure.

Pete Connors, Transport Agency System Manager 

Transport Agency System Manager Pete Connors said getting the NZDF’s help to assemble the spans on the bridge ensured it was able to be launched from the south side of the Waiho River quickly.

Westland authorities said the Waiho Bridge provided vital access to the region and its loss had adversely affected tourism on the West Coast and in South Westland.