ACCIONA, in coordination with our Eastern Busway Alliance partners Auckland Transport, Fletcher Construction, AECOM and Jacobs, have advanced the construction of Tī Rākau Bridge in Pakūranga, Auckland, with the 180-metre structure now nearing completion after a year of work, marking a significant step toward opening the new busway next year and improving transport options for the community.

Construction began with extensive preparation to ensure a stable platform for major works. Before Tī Rākau Bridge itself could be built, a temporary staging bridge was installed across Pakūranga Creek. This enabled access for the 300 tonne service crane and supported piling activities essential to establishing the structure’s foundations.

The temporary arrangement allowed work to progress efficiently in a constrained environment while maintaining safety and environmental protection.

The reinforced concrete bored piles that form the backbone of Tī Rākau Bridge extend approximately 20 metres into the rock beneath the creek. This depth ensures the structure can withstand dynamic transport loads and future growth in passenger movements. Engineers used precision drilling techniques to achieve the required stability, strengthening the long-term resilience of the bridge.

A total of 30 ‘Super T’ bridge beams were lifted individually into place from the staging bridge, each manoeuvre requiring meticulous coordination. The 300-tonne crawler crane completed the beam installation sequence, enabling the project team to begin forming the deck. Concrete for the bridge deck was poured in multiple stages to maintain structural integrity and quality control across the full span.

With the primary structure now established, crews are focused on final components that will prepare Tī Rākau Bridge for public use. Remaining tasks include installing the last concrete barriers, fitting safety rails, and completing movement joints on the deck. Once these activities are finalised, asphalt will be laid and road marking applied to ready the bridge for its role in the new transport corridor.

The nearing completion of Tī Rākau Bridge represents an important milestone for the broader busway project. The structure will improve travel reliability, reduce congestion, and provide safer, more accessible routes for cyclists and pedestrians.

The progress is also captured in a timelapse video that highlights the technical effort and coordinated teamwork behind its construction.

The final phase of work will position the bridge to support improved public transport connections when the busway opens next year, strengthening sustainable mobility options for the growing east Auckland region.