Te Matau a Pohe: A Decade of Innovation and Engineering Mastery

Today, the Te Matau a Pohe bridge stands tall as a symbol of engineering mastery, passion, and excellence. Lindsay Faithfull, McKay Managing Director noted that “The automation we did was an incredible challenge. There are only 11 of these bridges working in the world”. Making it a true testament to what can be achieved when innovation and expertise come together. But the Te Matau a Pohe bridge is more than just an impressive infrastructure project – it is a work of art that proudly showcases the fusion of traditional Māori culture with modern engineering principles. Its unique design, inspired by the Māori fishhook, is a testament to the architect’s commitment to preserving and celebrating Whangārei’s cultural heritage.

McKay’s Involvement

McKay was engaged as the leading electrical contractor, with a clear objective that was instrumental in the success of the Te Matau a Pohe project. McKay was tasked with building an integrated, safe, robust, distributed control system with an intuitive remote user interface. This system would be responsible for managing multiple aspects of the bridge’s controls, including hydraulic control, traffic management, lighting control, CCTV, PA, and intercom. The goal was to streamline the bridge’s operations and ensure that all control functions were seamlessly integrated into a single system.

Ensuring Safety and Reliability

Safety was a critical aspect of the Te Matau a Pohe project, and McKay worked diligently to ensure that the safety functions of the control system comply with SIL3 / CAT3/4 safety standards. With estimated daily interactions of around 8000 cars, as well as pedestrians and vessels, the bridge had to be robust enough to handle the demands placed upon it. The consequences of any potential breakdowns would have been vast, both in terms of safety and costs. McKay’s expertise and commitment to building a reliable and robust system played a crucial role in guaranteeing the bridge’s integrity.

Now, as our region has grown, the bridge carries an average of around 11,000 vehicles per day, while lifting approximately 5 times per day to let boats pass.

Distributed Control System for Efficiency

To reduce the number of cables and optimize the control system’s performance, the decision was made to distribute the control system over the entire bridge. IO racks and other interfaces were installed on the east abutment, in all four totems, the switchboard room, and the control room. This distributed control system approach ensured greater efficiency, improved response times, and simplified maintenance and troubleshooting.

Intuitive User Interface for Operational Ease

Recognizing the need for operators to concentrate on the bridge’s operations rather than the control system itself, McKay strove to develop an intuitive user interface. This interface allows operators to easily navigate and control the various aspects of the bridge’s functions. Additionally, the user interface was designed to facilitate the onboarding process for new operators, enabling them to become proficient in operating the system as quickly as possible.

Maintaining Excellence

McKay has continued to provide exceptional electrical maintenance support to ensure the ongoing success of the Te Matau a Pohe bridge. We understand the importance of maximizing efficiency and prolonging the lifespan of the bridge, and our team of skilled technicians and engineers work diligently to ensure the bridge runs efficiently day-to-day. Through regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs, we proactively identify and address any electrical issues, ensuring the safe and smooth operation of the bridge. Our commitment to ongoing maintenance not only safeguards the functioning of the bridge but also extends its lifespan, ensuring that it continues to be a valuable asset for the community for years to come.

The Legacy of the Te Matau a Pohe Project

Now, a decade into its existence, the Te Matau a Pohe bridge has continued to exceed expectations, enhancing connectivity and accessibility for the community, with the integrated control system proving to be reliable, robust, and efficient, making the bridge a model for other infrastructure projects.

Our unwavering commitment to innovation, engineering mastery, and excellence has left a lasting legacy in the form of the Te Matau a Pohe bridge. It stands tall as a symbol of what is possible when we combine our passion for engineering with our commitment to celebrating our culture and serving our community.