First images of 100m long Manganui Gorge Suspension Bridge Revealed!
It’s the start of a fresh new year and we are pleased to share some of the first images of the new Manganui Gorge Suspension Bridge.
Design of the suspension bridge was completed by DC Structures Studio for the Department of Conservation (DOC) in late 2022. Geotech inputs were provided by Riley Consultants Ltd. It is currently open for construction tendering and is due for construction in 2023.
The Manganui Gorge Bridge is a 100m long suspension bridge close to the summit of Mt. Taranaki located in New Plymouth, New Zealand. It has an impressive 93m clear span and is 1.2m wide and sits in close proximity to the existing ski-field. The purpose of the suspension bridge is to connect the “Around the Mountain” scenic walk and bypass the existing (potentially dangerous) access route through the base of the rocky gorge (which will be closed on completion of the suspension bridge).
A key part of our design process was to offer DOC the latest state-of-the art analysis techniques to help take their projects to the next level. We worked closely with the DOC Engineering Team to help showcase the latest thinking in the realms of aerodynamic assessment, pedestrian vibration, wind fatigue assessment, FE connection modelling, and cable failure design. If you want to know more about some of the more technical aspects of the aerodynamic assessment and pedestrian dynamics head over to our website where we have collated the key inputs and outputs of these complex assessment methods: Manganui Gorge Suspension Bridge
Overall, this bridge is intended to represent a new era in DOC suspension bridges with a core focus on “best practice” design and cultural collaboration.
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During the design process we have had strong collaborations with Ngāti Ruanui and their artists to help capture the story and mana (prestige & authority) representative of this iconic location and rich local culture. We are looking forward to sharing more images around these works in the next few months…. we’ll keep you posted! 🤩
