“SH73 Candy’s Creek Bridge – Rock Shelter” is a finalist for the 2025 Āpōpō Asset Management Excellence Awards.

Fulton Hogan successfully completed the Otira Gorge resurfacing project ahead of schedule, enhancing SH73’s resilience and connectivity while minimising community disruption through innovative methodologies, extensive stakeholder engagement, and stringent quality assurance. Our collaborative approach with NZTA and WSP ensured exemplary outcomes for this critical infrastructure.

All involved: Fulton Hogan, NZTA Waka Kotahi 

The Otira Gorge resurfacing project, executed by Fulton Hogan as part of the West Coast Network Outcomes Contract (NOC) for NZTA Waka Kotahi, focused on resurfacing the SH73 road segment at Otira Gorge, a vital connection between Canterbury and the West Coast via Arthur’s Pass. Approached in early 2022, Fulton Hogan planned and managed the renewal of Candy’s Creek Bridge pavement, last asphalted in 2014, was overdue for replacement. Responsibilities included consultation, planning, execution, and quality assurance, coordinating multiple subcontractors for transport and bridge repairs. Extensive stakeholder engagement addressed the sensitive nature of the site and its importance to the local community, minimising disruptions and ensuring compliance with NZTA standards.