Wahianoa now safer for trampers

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 47, 12 May 1987, Page 7

Wahianoa now safer for trampers

A 38 metre long bridge has been installed over the Wahianoa stream on the round-the-moun-tain track in the Tongariro National Park. TheWahianoa is the last major stream to be bridged on the track. The bridge ensures safe all-weather

access across the river.There have been a number of tramper fatalities in the Wahianoa in past years. The bridge was originally built for foot access across the Tongariro River for a power scheme survey and was made redundant by a road bridge to the Rangipo Power Station. It was offered to Tongariro National Park on the condition that they remove it. The only feasible method of removal was by helicopter, but it weighed over five tonnes. It was stripped down to 3.6 tonnes and lifted out by New Zealand's largest helicopter, the Bell 214 owned by Heavylift Helicopters Ltd of Feilding. The helicopter

has been working in this area on the construction of the new chairlifts on Mt Ruapehu. This load is believed to be a New Zealand record lift for a helicopter at that altitude The machine

burned over 200 litres of jet fuel for this short lift. The box-girder bridge, dcsigned in 1947 and built in 1966 by the Ministry of Works, was dismantled and transported to Turangi for sandblasting, reconditioning and painting by Ministry of Works and Department of Conservation staff. It was then transported by road and helicopter in sections to its new site at 1350 metres above sea level in the Wahianoa Valley. After reassembly it was winched and jacked across the river and up onto concrete abuttments built by Turangi and Ohakune DoC staff. The staff camped on site for two weeks to complete the job.