Kaitoke Pipe Bridge

Wellington Water is replacing the existing Kaitoke pipe bridge with a new, more resilient bridge to ensure the safe supply of drinking water for the Wellington Region. The bridge crosses the Hutt River and is located in the Kaitoke Regional Park in Upper Hutt, Wellington. The new bridge replaces the existing Flume Bridge and is located upstream of the existing one carrying a 1.5m diameter waterpipe and a pedestrian walkway. The project of the bridge fits into a broader project that intends to improve the seismic resilience of the water intake infrastructure at Kaitoke.

Holmes were engaged to undertake the design of the superstructure of the new Pipe Bridge. Our team reviewed the design to date and identified opportunities to enhance safety outcomes and reduce project risk. The new design, while being of the same general structural form and span length, was a significantly more efficient structure resulting in both value for money and a lower carbon footprint.

Sustainability was a significant factor that influenced the design. Holmes undertook an analysis of greenhouse gas emissions embedded in the project materials, driving innovation for a more sustainable construction approach. The new design resulted in a 20% reduction in embodied carbon associated with the raw materials, and a 30% reduction in transport related embodied carbon.