Delivering ‘deadman’ To Tongariro River Bridge

Close to 70 tonnes of concrete has been poured ready to hold a new suspension bridge in place on the lower Tongariro River in Tūrangi.

A ‘deadman’ is a heavy weight, in this case concrete, acting as a buried anchor for a bridge.

Unable to safely move a concrete truck across paddocks, half the concrete was delivered by helicopter, giving anglers and walkers an unusual backdrop for their morning naturing.

Concrete delivery is a milestone in the bridge’s construction, filling two main ‘deadman’ holes and two supporting tower foundation holes which support the cables and ensure the entire structure is safe.

Department of Conservation Project Manager Wayne Boness says each of the main deadmen takes 25 tonnes, or the equivalent of four full-grown African elephants worth of concrete.

“Deadmen are basically what holds the bridge up and supports the cables, so we want to be 100% sure they will not budge. The name is a bit funny, but I guess we lay a ‘deadman’ so we don’t have dead men!”

The concrete has been left to cure and the crew is moving on to raising steel towers to support the cables, and soon to laying the bridge itself.

The existing suspension bridge has reached end-of-life at nearly 70 years old. DOC has been working with Ngāti Tūrangitukua and the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board to ensure the replacement is fit for the popular Tongariro River Trail.

Wayne says the trail is a favourite of locals and visitors, and passers-by have been very interested in the construction process.

“It’s a good excuse to get out during the winter, come see the progress that’s been made and enjoy some nature while you’re at it.”

Visitors are asked to follow signage and instructions from the crew on site to keep safe.

The bridge has been funded by the International Visitor Levy, where visitors from overseas contribute to caring for New Zealand’s natural environment and visitor experiences. The new bridge is on track to be open by October 2026.