Peacocke Bridge Retaining Wall abutment

The new Peacocke Bridge, a key part of Hamilton’s expanding transport network, is set to open in mid-2024. This milestone project will provide essential connectivity for up to 20,000 future residents while integrating cultural, environmental, and practical considerations into its design.

Bridge Features:

• Four lanes, including two transit lanes
• Separate pedestrian and bike paths on both sides
• A 95-110m span over the Waikato River
• A single Y-shaped pillar on the south bank, supporting a 200m+ flat bridge deck with no piers in the river
• Structural and lighting elements designed to minimize environmental impact, particularly for native long-tailed bats

Transport Network Enhancements:

• 1.6km extension to Wairere Drive
• Urban upgrades to Weston Lea Drive and Peacockes Road
• A network of underpasses, bike paths, and bus-priority roads
• A two-lane, four-way roundabout and a signalized intersection
• New and relocated utility services, including stormwater, wastewater, and water supply infrastructure

With Peacocke’s growth, this bridge and road network ensure strong connections between the neighborhood, Hamilton, and the wider region.

Key Construction Milestone: Installing Massive Steel Structures

A major milestone in the project was reached with the installation of two massive steel structures, each weighing over 200 tonnes. These structures form the central support for the bridge and were lifted into place using one of the largest crawler cranes in the country.

Hamilton City Council’s Executive Director of Strategic Infrastructure, Andrew Parsons, highlighted the significance of this milestone, noting that it is the first new bridge in Hamilton since the Pukete Bridge in 1996. Additionally, it will be the only traffic bridge in the city without central supports in the Waikato River—an essential design choice in partnership with local iwi.

The steel structures are designed as woven lattices, symbolizing te ao Maaori (the Maaori worldview) and the interconnectedness of people, places, and history. Their rust-colored finish not only enhances visual appeal but also ensures durability, requiring minimal maintenance.

The next major milestone will be the installation of the first bridge beam, which will connect both sides of the river.

Bridge Abutment & Retaining Wall Design

The bridge abutment and retaining wall system integrate deep pier foundations with reinforced soil structures, ensuring stability under operational and seismic conditions.

• Structural Support: The bridge seat relies on deep piers (40 meters deep, 1200mm diameter) socketed into dense sands.
• Retaining Wall Design: Covering 920m² and reaching a maximum height of 10 meters, the front face blocks rest on an abutment pile cap, which acts as a foundation element while the piles contribute to slope stability.
• Reinforcement Approach: Paraweb reinforcement is used on all three abutment sides, while the top three blocks follow a gravity design to accommodate service penetrations through the bridge beams and sand backfill.
• Seismic & Load Considerations:
  • A heavy headwall enhances lateral capacity under static and seismic loads.
  • Annular gaps around the piles allow minor movement without affecting the abutment’s retaining structure during smaller seismic events.
  • A 200mm seismic and settlement gap separates the piled front wall from the shallow foundation side walls, accommodating seismic shifts and up to 100mm of side wall settlement.

By integrating advanced engineering solutions with cultural and environmental priorities, the Peacocke Bridge will serve as a resilient, future-proofed connection for Hamilton’s expanding community.