Introduction

Through close collaboration with our Client and partners on the project, MWH helped to redesign Clive Bridge which was seen as a barrier to walking and cycling in the area, by creating a innovative and sustainable solution which encouraged active modes of transport and recreational benefits to the local community.

Project Scope

The project required complete separation of a combined sewer system along with partial separation of adjacent combined sewer overflow areas. The City of Cambridge engaged MWH Global to develop the City’s first hydraulic storm water model in this regard with the following objectives:

1. Eliminate flooding for the 10-year storm.
2. Restrict the peak discharge of storm water to the Alewife Brook to not exceed existing conditions.

Project Challenge

Though the impetus for the project was to to help reverse declining rates of cycling and walking in Hawkes Bay, its environmental impact and potential benefit quickly became the focus of the project stakeholders and the engineering team. There was also a desire by the Client to limit the loading of the bridge as there was a lack of in-depth knowledge around the structural integrity of the bridge and supporting structures.

Project Solution / Result

The value of the Clive Bridge Cycleway is felt by the Hawkes Bay citizens. Public health is improved through increased rates of exercise. Health and Safety along the route has significantly improved with the addition of LED lighting and safety rails along the pathway. Additionally from a sustainability standpoint the adoption of the use of soft plastics for the pathway diverted over 4.2 million plastic carrier bags away from the landfill.