The Onetai Stream Bridge on State Highway 26 (SH26) north of Paeroa has been replaced improving road safety for New Zealand motorists.
The original bridge was designed and constructed in 1976. The 2025 replacement bridge is 3m wider and features specially engineered glulam timber beams, plywood decking and MASH compliant CrocGuard® barrier.
Developed by Safe Direction, CrocGuard® is a revolutionary safety barrier system spanning up to 16m between abutment posts. CrocGuard® does not require attachment to the bridge structure, preventing damage to the deck following a vehicle collision. CrocGuard has been crash test evaluated in accordance with MASH TL4 and is approved by NZTA and all Australian State Road Agencies.
The preassembled CrocGuard® beams for the Onetai Stream Bridge project were supplied by Steelgal, distributor of Safe Direction crash barrier systems throughout NZ.
Will Young, Steelgal National Sales Manager commented, “This project presented numerous challenges since the old bridge was required to be demolished resulting in closure of the highway. Therefore, prefabricated bridge components were preferred to facilitate rapid installation and minimise disruption for local motorists. The CrocGuard® beams span the 9m bridge structure and connect to upstream and downstream RamShield® barrier providing a continuous MASH compliant safety barrier system.”
