Fibreglass bridge technology 'to save millions'

Kim Bevins is promoting a fibreglass bridge which he says could save regional councils millions of dollars. Picture supplied

The creators of a fibreglass bridge say it can be manufactured to be as strong as steel and could save regional councils across the country millions of dollars.

The technology is travelling the length of New Zealand on a demonstration tour and Bridge It NZ business manager Kim Bevins was at Eastwoodhill Arboretum on Friday to show people here what the bridge can do.

“The problem with many New Zealand bridges is they have limited lifespans, with wooden bridges lasting around 15 years — 50 years if they are steel — but these bridges need ongoing maintenance, and some of these bridges you need to replace three times in 100 years.”

The bridge made of fibreglass uses patented InfraCore® Inside technology. It can be manufactured to be as strong as steel and can span to any length, but the 11m version on display on Friday was light enough at 1.5 tonnes that a big strong rugby team could carry it and is being towed on a trailer.

Mr Bevins said the visit had attracted “very positive” feedback from Gisborne district councillors on Friday.

The company was importing the bridges from Australia with the plan to start manufacturing in Tauranga in the next 12 months.

The 11m span could be bought for about $45,000, with a full bridge project, including hand rails and footings, installed for $140,000.

“The big point is that whole-of-life cost. A timber or steel bridge, especially in a coastal environment would be replaced two or three times over 100 years, whereas this being fibreglass doesn’t rot or corrode and will still be there in 100 years.”