Whakatikei Stream Bridge
Project location
Whakatikei River, Riverstone Terraces, Upper Hutt
Client
Upper Hutt City Council
Services provided by Frame Group
Solutioning, Concept Design and Visualisation
Detailed Design and Engineering
Consents Management
Construction Management
Partners
Edifice Structures – Construction Contractor
Resource Management Solutions – Planning
Upper Hutt City Council engaged Frame Group to design and manage the construction of a new bridge and boardwalks across the Whakatikei Stream, enhancing all-weather walking and cycling access along the Hutt River Trail. Located in a steep sided, forested gorge with limited equipment access, the site posed significant design and construction constraints.
Frame Group led a full feasibility process assessing multiple bridge typologies before advancing a glulam timber beam solution. This option was selected for its superior visual integration, resilience to flood hazards, and suitability for a wide range of trail users.
To avoid crane access or helicopter lifts, the bridge was pre-fabricated off-site, transported via trail network, and launched across the gorge using pre-positioned piers. The 20m glulam bridge span is supported well above flood levels on sturdy piers and is connected to the trail by 22m of approach boardwalks, blending into its natural surroundings while delivering improved safety, functionality and connectivity for Upper Hutt’s growing trail network.
