Building the Viaduct at Otira Gorge. ALBUM and VIDEO.

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Description(Scroll down for video.)
Major Rockfall hazard above and below the existing road (the zig zag) threatened to destroy the road or at least undermine it to a point where it is not repairable.

The Otira Viaduct had it's official opening on Saturday 6th November, 1999.

FACTORS THAT AFFECTED CONSTRUCTION...

HAZARDS
Major rockfalls from above
Located in an active seismic region (small earthquakes from time to time)
Riverbed scour from the Otira River
Otira River flooding (max. 5cu.m/second)

ENVIRONMENT
In Arthur's Pass National Park
Minimise disturbance to vegetation
Blend structure with natural contours
Protection of cultural features

CONTRACTOR McConnell Smith Ltd
TOTAL COST $25,000,000 (on budget)
WORK BEGAN February 1997
COMPLETION November 1999

See "External Link" below for Consdtruction Stats.Date of PhotoBetween 1st February 1997 and 31st December 1999Map^[1]External LinkConstruction Stats.The ViaductContributorLisa KeenanVideo