When things go wrong

[kiwirailengineer]

Bridge 254 on the Palmerston North - Gisborne Line (PNGL) in New Zealand was due for some replacement timber piles.

On 5 May 2005, a work train including two 60 tonne capacity rail cranes was dispatched from Napier to Wairoa (some 30km south of the work site) in preparation for the next few days work.

The following shots show the train progressing on this short journey, including crossing of the Mohaka Viaduct - at 318' the highest rail bridge in NZ.

[kiwirailengineer]

The following day the work train set off from Wairoa to the worksite, however, whilst crossing the bridge requiring replacement piles one pier collapsed under the weight of the second crane.

Subsequent investigation has determined that the condition of the piles was worse than previously thought due to attack by the "Toredo" worm, a creature not previously found in such southern (and therefore cold) esturine waters.

On 11 June, after preparatory works including construction of a causeway into the river, an attempt was made to lift the 60 tonne crane (actual weight 132 tonnes) by an "American 9310" crawler crane of 200 tonne (225 US tons) capacity.

These next photo's show some general views of the scene as well as a diver surfacing during attachment of wire ropes to the submerged rail crane.

[kiwirailengineer]

Toward the end of the day, a first attempt was made to lift the rail crane from the river. This last photograph shows the results as work was ended.

The crane is partly out of the river for continued attempts the following day (which have apparently been successful).

[crook]

That is a pretty neat scene, and nicely photographed. Thanks for posting. Got any more?

[roee]

Great series. I like how you had followed it one day, then the next, it's in the river and you've got the clean up scenes. It'd be intresting to see the crane lifting the other crane out of the water.

[doubletrack]

Interesting story and photos. As an engineer and ex-bridge monkey this is something I care about.

I'm glad the bridge held 18 years ago when I rode over it. I heard that passenger service has ended since then on this route. Just what is left of passenger lines on NZR?

[kiwirailengineer]

Originally Posted by doubletrack

.....

I'm glad the bridge held 18 years ago when I rode over it. I heard that passenger service has ended since then on this route. Just what is left of passenger lines on NZR?

Not much. Only long distance trains are Auckland-Wellington (daytime only - overnight service recently canned), Christchurch-Picton and Christchurch-Greymouth (The TranzAlpine).

There is also the Palmerston Nth - Wellington and return commuter service (one round trip per day, Wellington - Masterton commuter trains and Auckland and Wellington commuter services.

[doubletrack]

No Christchurch--Invercargil trains anymore? Gee, I'm glad I rode what I did back then. I really enjoyed the Blue Train. Never rode the night Auckland to Wellington but rode the day Silver something. Also rode every commuter train in Auckland and Wellington I could find as well as museums and specials. Those were good times.