When storm events in January 2023 severely damaged New Zealand State Highway 25A between Kōpū and Hikuai, Geovert joined a collaborative effort to restore this vital transportation link. Working alongside joint venture partners McConnell Dowell and Fulton Hogan, and designers Beca and Tonkin+Taylor, our team delivered slope stabilisation works that helped complete this infrastructure project three months ahead of schedule.
Project Context and Scope
The damage to SH25A created a significant challenge for Coromandel Peninsula communities, with over 100 metres of highway lost to slope failure. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) opted for a 'build back better' approach, bringing together industry leaders to design and construct a 124-metre three-span bridge solution.
Geovert's Early Engagement
Based on our strong track record with McConnell Dowell and Fulton Hogan, Geovert was selected to deliver critical slope stabilisation works to protect the structural integrity of the new infrastructure. Our early involvement allowed us to contribute our expertise to both design and execution phases, helping shape practical solutions for the challenging site conditions.
Specialised Equipment and Expertise
With over two decades of experience in slope stabilisation across the Asia Pacific region, Geovert brought proven capabilities to the project. Our involvement included providing specialised drilling equipment and technical expertise developed through years of challenging geotechnical projects. This experience proved invaluable as the project demands evolved, enabling rapid deployment of resources to meet changing site conditions.
Managing Complex Site Conditions
The project's fast-track nature required some adaptability. Design work proceeded concurrent with construction, leading to daily scope adjustments and technical challenges. Our team used their experience and knowledge to maintain progress while ensuring technical integrity.
The variability of site conditions demanded continuous assessment and solution adaptation. Our teams coordinated closely with other contractors in the confined, steep site area, managing rockfall hazards while maintaining site access. This complex choreography of activities required careful integration of design changes without disrupting critical path activities.
Collaborative Achievement
The success of the SH25A project relied on close collaboration between all partners. Our established relationships with McConnell Dowell and Fulton Hogan facilitated rapid decision-making and efficient problem-solving. Despite the initial ground stabilisation scope expanding substantially, the team's collaborative approach enabled completion well ahead of schedule.
As noted by JV Construction Manager Aimee Pene: "From the outset we were under no illusion of the enormity of the task we were undertaking, attempting to deliver the fastest design and construct bridge in the country. There wasn't a moment the Geovert team weren't right alongside us, contributing their specialist expertise both in design and execution."
Project Industry Recognition
The overall SH25A Taparahi Bridge project and its delivery partners received significant recognition through multiple industry awards in 2024. The project team's achievements include:
Tonkin + Taylor and Beca were awarded Gold at the ACE NZ Awards for their engineering design
The combined project team won Bridge Project Team of the Year at the New Civil Engineer Conference Awards, as the only finalist outside Europe.
The project delivery team received the Innovation Award at the Apopo Excellence Awards
The joint venture was awarded both the Supreme Award and Category 4 recognition at the Waikato CCNZ Awards for projects valued between $20-100 million
The project secured the National CCNZ Award in the Category 4 division for projects valued between $20-100 million
Safety and Quality Focus
Throughout the project, Geovert maintained exemplary safety standards while meeting accelerated timelines. Our approach to safety included detailed risk assessments for slope stabilisation work, implementation of robust rockfall protection measures and careful management of multiple work zones in steep terrain. The team's attention to detail and safety protocols were particularly crucial given the concurrent design and construction activities, variable ground conditions and the presence of multiple contractors operating in confined spaces. Despite these challenges, we completed our scope with zero significant safety incidents, demonstrating our commitment to protecting both our workforce and other site personnel.
Project Success & Looking Forward
The SH25A Taparahi Bridge opened to traffic on 20th December 2023, providing communities with a more resilient transportation link. The project's success stemmed from the strong foundation of trust between partners, rapid mobilisation capabilities and innovative approaches to technical challenges. The comprehensive safety management and clear communication channels all contributed to the early completion.
The successful delivery of the Taparahi Bridge project demonstrates the value of specialist expertise combined with collaborative project delivery. As Geovert continues to provide slope stabilisation solutions across the globe, the lessons and relationships developed through this project enhance our capability to deliver complex infrastructure projects in challenging conditions. Anytime! Anywhere!