A rockfall protection operation with a worker operating a hydraulic boom from atop a yellow and black crane. The crane extends towards a steep, rocky hillside to install wire mesh for slope stabilisation. Another worker on the ground, in protective gear, oversees the process. Rolls of mesh await deployment, illustrating the proactive measures taken to safeguard against rockslides.

Ngauranga Gorge Rockfall Mitigation

Abseil Access successfully delivered the SH1 Ngauranga Gorge Rock Fall Mitigation during an extended SH1 lane closure over the New Year holiday period. It is part of a resilience works variation in the Wellington Region Network Outcomes Contract (NOC) managed by Capital Journeys.

The priority for this scope was minimising the impact on the public by completing this over the New Year’s holiday period as this is one of the highest volume roads in Wellington.

A team of rope access technicians clad in orange and white safety gear methodically work on a steep, rocky embankment. They are secured by harnesses as safety measures are installed along the hillside above a highway. Their skilled coordination is evident as they work at various heights, with ropes and equipment laid out, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining and securing challenging terrains.

The work included:

  • State Highway rolling lane closures for 7 helicopter lifting operations.
  • 352m of ground-based drilling, suspended A-frame drilling, and excavator-mounted drilling
  • Stakeholder and sub-contractor management.
  • Traffic control and debris removal
  • Difficult access earthworks to safely move approx. 200m3 off benches above the live highway.
  • 2110m2 of Maccaferri HR50/HR30 Drape mesh installation

Abseil Access took an extremely innovative approach to access and time works precisely to minimise downtime. This successful collaborative effort between Capital Journeys, WSP, and Waka Kotahi NZTA has resulted in a safer southbound commute to the city for both cyclists and motorists.

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An aerial view of a highway adjacent to a steep hillside where rockfall mitigation work is underway. Dust rises from the area where workers in bright safety gear use machinery to clear and stabilise the slope. Traffic cones partition the work zone from the active lanes, where vehicles continue to pass, highlighting the careful balance between infrastructure maintenance and traffic flow.
A team of rope access technicians clad in orange and white safety gear methodically work on a steep, rocky embankment. They are secured by harnesses as safety measures are installed along the hillside above a highway. Their skilled coordination is evident as they work at various heights, with ropes and equipment laid out, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining and securing challenging terrains.
Rope access technicians are dispersed across a vast slope above a highway, engaged in rockfall mitigation efforts. The hill is partially covered with wire mesh for stabilisation, and ropes suspend the workers as they conduct their precise and hazardous work. Below, vehicles continue to travel, shielded by concrete barriers, illustrating the juxtaposition of routine traffic and critical safety operations.
A rockfall protection operation with a worker operating a hydraulic boom from atop a yellow and black crane. The crane extends towards a steep, rocky hillside to install wire mesh for slope stabilisation. Another worker on the ground, in protective gear, oversees the process. Rolls of mesh await deployment, illustrating the proactive measures taken to safeguard against rockslides.
An aerial view of a highway adjacent to a steep hillside where rockfall mitigation work is underway. Dust rises from the area where workers in bright safety gear use machinery to clear and stabilise the slope. Traffic cones partition the work zone from the active lanes, where vehicles continue to pass, highlighting the careful balance between infrastructure maintenance and traffic flow.
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An aerial view of a highway adjacent to a steep hillside where rockfall mitigation work is underway. Dust rises from the area where workers in bright safety gear use machinery to clear and stabilise the slope. Traffic cones partition the work zone from the active lanes, where vehicles continue to pass, highlighting the careful balance between infrastructure maintenance and traffic flow.
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A helicopter is in mid-air carrying a large cargo net via a long cable over a curving highway nestled between lush green hillsides. The operation, likely for transporting materials or equipment for slope maintenance, demonstrates the integration of advanced aerial logistics in challenging terrains. Below, vehicles continue their journey unimpeded by the activity above.
Two professionals in high-visibility gear and helmets work on a steep slope installing rockfall netting. The metallic mesh is draped over the terrain and anchored by steel cables to protect against debris fall. This intervention highlights safety measures undertaken in vulnerable areas, with the workers carefully navigating the rugged landscape to secure the netting.
A team of rope access technicians clad in orange and white safety gear methodically work on a steep, rocky embankment. They are secured by harnesses as safety measures are installed along the hillside above a highway. Their skilled coordination is evident as they work at various heights, with ropes and equipment laid out, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining and securing challenging terrains.loading=
Rope access technicians are dispersed across a vast slope above a highway, engaged in rockfall mitigation efforts. The hill is partially covered with wire mesh for stabilisation, and ropes suspend the workers as they conduct their precise and hazardous work. Below, vehicles continue to travel, shielded by concrete barriers, illustrating the juxtaposition of routine traffic and critical safety operations.loading=
A rockfall protection operation with a worker operating a hydraulic boom from atop a yellow and black crane. The crane extends towards a steep, rocky hillside to install wire mesh for slope stabilisation. Another worker on the ground, in protective gear, oversees the process. Rolls of mesh await deployment, illustrating the proactive measures taken to safeguard against rockslides.loading=
An aerial view of a highway adjacent to a steep hillside where rockfall mitigation work is underway. Dust rises from the area where workers in bright safety gear use machinery to clear and stabilise the slope. Traffic cones partition the work zone from the active lanes, where vehicles continue to pass, highlighting the careful balance between infrastructure maintenance and traffic flow.loading=
An aerial view of a highway adjacent to a steep hillside where rockfall mitigation work is underway. Dust rises from the area where workers in bright safety gear use machinery to clear and stabilise the slope. Traffic cones partition the work zone from the active lanes, where vehicles continue to pass, highlighting the careful balance between infrastructure maintenance and traffic flow.loading=
A helicopter is in mid-air carrying a large cargo net via a long cable over a curving highway nestled between lush green hillsides. The operation, likely for transporting materials or equipment for slope maintenance, demonstrates the integration of advanced aerial logistics in challenging terrains. Below, vehicles continue their journey unimpeded by the activity above.loading=
Two professionals in high-visibility gear and helmets work on a steep slope installing rockfall netting. The metallic mesh is draped over the terrain and anchored by steel cables to protect against debris fall. This intervention highlights safety measures undertaken in vulnerable areas, with the workers carefully navigating the rugged landscape to secure the netting.loading=
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