The Auckland rail electrification project, New Zealand: accelerated bridge construction in seismic zones

Accelerated bridge construction and precast bridge elements and systems were used to replace five bridges as part of the Auckland rail electrification project in New Zealand. This paper describes the replacement of five road-overrail bridges, covering the fast-tracked design process, the collaborative approach required by all parties and the construction of bridges in periods of 5 weeks. The paper also describes the innovative solutions used to connect the precast elements, the relative success of each solution and the impact on the construction programme. A comparison of the cost of construction of these bridges against the more conventional construction techniques is also provided, with discussion on the economic benefit of accelerated construction.