Please see below official communication from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) regarding permits being revoked for travel on Auckland Harbour Bridge. This is for vehicles over 60 tonne who have previously been permitted to travel at 10-20km per hour.  This is a permanent revocation of permits.
 
The Crane Association of New Zealand is setting up a zoom call for members to join early next week, to enable direct Q&A with Waka Kotahi.

OFFICIAL  COMMUNICATION REGARDING HARBOUR BRIDGE VEHICLE RESTRICTIONS
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
As part of regular monitoring and management of the Auckland Harbour Bridge to ensure that we protect the life of the structure, Waka Kotahi is advising that vehicles over 60 tonne that have previously been permitted with speed restrictions of 10km and 20km per hour are now required to use the alternate Western Ring Route and avoid the bridge.

Waka Kotahi is writing to all impacted permit holders to advise that their permits to cross the bridge are revoked and that they will be issued with new permits to exclusively use the Western Ring Route. There are currently around 750 permits of this kind.

The Western Ring Route has been designed for these types of vehicles to provide an alternate route to the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

There are no restrictions for normal non-permitted vehicles and heavy vehicles that operate at standard axle limits as well as busses who can continue to use the bridge without a permit. The Auckland Harbour Bridge is still safe to use, and these restrictions are designed to ensure the long-term operation of the structure.

Reviews of overweight vehicle data from the Weigh-in-Motion systems on the Northern Motorway have confirmed these types of overweight vehicles (vehicles over 60 tonne with speed restrictions of 10km and 20km per hour) have been crossing the bridge at speeds higher than the permitted allowance in the 50 km/hr to 70 km/hr range.

These increased speeds create higher impact load effects and the resulting increased risk of fatigue.

The Waka Kotahi long-term plan for the Auckland Harbour Bridge focuses on managing the main structure and extension clip-on bridges so that the bridge continues to provide the connectivity needed to cater for travel across the harbour. We are pleased that the regular monitoring processes we have in place are working and that we able to implement these restrictions at the appropriate time which means that there is no impact to general traffic using the bridge.

While the Auckland Harbour Bridge has been strengthened on several occasions in the past, further strengthening is no longer possible. This means that maintaining the structural integrity of the bridge now requires these restrictions.

Careful and ongoing strategic management of the bridge will ensure its prolonged life as a critical link, with these load restrictions.

A survey of member companies was conducted in early 2021 to determine the nature of any operator shortage in our industry.  Our results show that the operator shortage is real.

See the results presentation HERE and review our proposed solutions.

Send your feedback to Sarah Toase, Executive Officer via email 

Find attached below: Notice of AGM

​As we come closer to CANZ Conference 2021 and our annual AGM, we are now seeking nominations for new council members for 2021.

This is an exciting time to be part of the council as we navigate change and re-build the association with a new strategy and focused work plan that is looking to make real change.

We need engaged, passionate, and knowledgeable people to help lift the standard and to lead the industry.

To be nominated, fill out the form linked below and return it to eo@cranes.org.nz.

CLICK HERE to read the full newsletter for February from the Crane Association of New Zealand.

CLICK HERE to read February's word from the CANZ President.

CLICK HERE to read the last edition of the CANZ Newsletter for 2020. 

We'll be back in February 2021 with more great content.  If there is anything you'd like to see featured or if you would like to contribute, please email Sarah Toase eo@cranes.org.nz with your ideas, articles or photos.

Welcome to my last column for 2020 – it has been a year of challenges, uncertainty, and more importantly, adaptability.

And thankfully, the year ahead is paved with opportunities to further strengthen the crane industry.

With that in mind, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge all our members and the wider construction industries’ commitment to providing such incredible service during the COVID-19 uncertainty.

The CANZ Council recently had...

READ MORE 

In the third part of our new three-part series about regulations, the Crane Association of New Zealand’s Past President, Scott McLeod, hammers home the same message he’s been advocating for for years.

With potential changes Health and Safety in Employment (Pressure Equipment, Cranes, and Passenger Ropeways) Regulations afoot, it’s crucial to have the mastered the basics.

READ FULL ARTICLE

The Crane Association of New Zealand (CANZ) has received confirmation that full funding for crane training is now available through the Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF).

Trainees who enrol in the New Zealand Certificate in Cranes (Levels 3 & 4), will have their training and assessment fully paid for by the TTAF scheme.  This cost has previously been paid for by the crane
company / employer.

CLICK HERE to read the full release.