Date: |
30 Jun 2026, 5.00PM – 7.30PM |
duration: |
2 hrs 30 mins |
Venue: |
Beca - Christchurch |
Address: |
Level 2, 267 High Street Christchurch |
Cost: |
Free event |
The iconic Otira Viaduct was constructed from 1997 to 1999 to address route security concerns on SH73, a key East to West link across the Southern Alps. The technically challenging project is located in the heart of Arthur’s Pass National Park and was constructed in challenging climatic and physical conditions.
The viaduct replaced the notorious “Zig Zag” on an active rockslide, and is founded in rock avalanche debris. The project and construction faced very challenging geotechnical conditions.
Richard Holyoake (FEngNZ and Senior Principal at Beca) fulfilled the role of site engineer for the construction, and will present recollections of the background, the adopted solution and the construction of the Viaduct.
Join the New Zealand Geotechnical Society for a review of the Otira Viaduct by Richard Holyoake.
The iconic Otira Viaduct was constructed from 1997 to 1999 to address route security concerns on SH73, a key East to West link across the Southern Alps. The technically challenging project is located in the heart of Arthur’s Pass National Park and was constructed in challenging climatic and physical conditions.
The viaduct replaced the notorious “Zig Zag” on an active rockslide, and is founded in rock avalanche debris. The project and construction faced very challenging geotechnical conditions.
Richard Holyoake (FEngNZ and Senior Principal at Beca) fulfilled the role of site engineer for the construction, and will present recollections of the background, the adopted solution and the construction of the Viaduct.
Presenters
New Zealand Geotechnical Society
