Bridge design and management

Key Projects Sectors and Services Related Projects

Across Aotearoa New Zealand, WSP designs, maintains and renews bridges to meet today’s demands while preparing networks for the future.

With large portions of New Zealand’s bridge network starting to reach end of life, and with bridge replacement programmes accelerating, the sector faces a more complex challenge than maintenance and renewal alone. Bridges must perform under higher demands, withstand more frequent extreme events, and be delivered faster with less disruption.

Third generation bridges

With a new wave of bridge renewals ahead, Jeremy Waldin shares how we’re combining proven engineering approaches with modern digital tools to shape the next generation of bridges

Drawing on lessons from earlier periods of large-scale bridge construction, our people combine proven engineering with modern materials, smarter construction techniques and advanced digital design to shape how bridges are designed, built and perform into the future. We also use advanced techniques and technology to get the most out of our existing bridges while keeping road users and the public safe.

Our bridge specialists work across the full asset lifecycle – from inspection, repairs and strengthening through to feasibility studies and detailed design – using advanced technology to support resilient, efficient and future-ready bridge solutions.

From simple single span footbridges to major landmark structures, we work in close partnership with our clients, including the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, KiwiRail, local authorities, contractors and developers, to deliver fit-for-purpose bridge solutions that meet today’s demands and stand the test of time.

Our comprehensive bridge design, maintenance and asset management services include:

Feasibility studies
Preliminary and detailed design
Inspection and assessments
Asset management plans
Strengthening, upgrade and replacement design
Rail, road and footbridges
Earthquake engineering
Materials and durability
Standardisation and modern methods of construction
Digital engineering and 3D modelling

Key Projects

Mimiha Bridge Replacement

The bridge had reached the end of its service life. Inspections uncovered severe deterioration in piers, corbels, and restraint timbers, along with inadequate connections that compromised overall structural integrity. Ongoing maintenance was no longer practical, making full replacement the recommended course of action.

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thn-Northern-Explorer-Vintage-rail-bridge

Waitete Viaduct Rail bridge

Spanning the Waiteti Gorge since 1888, the 125-year-old Waiteti Viaduct is a testament to New Zealand’s engineering heritage. This 128.6m railway icon has carried heavy loads for generations, undergoing strengthening and protective work along the way. Today, its future is under review as engineers assess whether this historic structure can continue to serve—or make way for a new era.

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Thn-Auckland Waitemata Harbour Connections

Auckland Harbour Bridge

The Auckland Harbour Bridge is a 1.2 km steel and concrete landmark spanning the Waitematā Harbour. As a critical transport link and utility corridor, it carries water, power, gas, and telecom services while supporting over 180,000 vehicle crossings daily—plus 200 peak-hour buses transporting 9,000 passengers. A true icon connecting Auckland’s people and places.

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Related projects

West Coast, New Zealand

Ahaura SH7 Bridge Hydraulic Modelling and Scour Mitigation

Waka Kotahi engaged WSP to progress the design of a new two-lane (SH7) bridge to be located between the existing SH7 Ahaura bridge and the Railway Bridge.

Waikato, New Zealand

Waikato Expressway

As part of a joint venture with Fulton Hogan, HEB and Jacobs, WSP provided design resources, environmental protection and drainage works for the Waikato Expressway.