# Deadman's Point Bridge

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Bridge in Cromwell, New Zealand

Deadman's Point Bridge Coordinates 45°02′19″S 169°13′16″E / 45.03861°S 169.22111°E / -45.03861; 169.22111 Carries 2 lanes of State Highway 8B Crosses Lake Dunstan Owner New Zealand Transport Agency Preceded by Deadman's Point Footbridge Characteristics Material Steel Trough construction concrete Total length 272 metres (892 ft) Width 12 metres (39 ft) Water depth 35 metres (115 ft) Longest span 40 metres (130 ft) Piers in water 4 Clearance below 9 metres (30 ft) on true left of lake No. of lanes 2 History Designer Ministry of Works and Development Built 1986 Replaces Cromwell Bridge Location Interactive map of Deadman's Point Bridge

**Deadman's Point Bridge** crosses [Lake Dunstan](/source/Lake_Dunstan) at [Cromwell](/source/Cromwell%2C_New_Zealand), [Central Otago](/source/Central_Otago), as part of New Zealand's [State Highway 8](/source/State_Highway_8_(New_Zealand)) (SH8). A short spur section, SH8B, joins SH8 on the true left bank of [Lake Dunstan](/source/Lake_Dunstan), crossing Deadman's Point Bridge to meet [State Highway 6](/source/State_Highway_6_(New_Zealand)) immediately west of Cromwell.

## Background

### Etymology

The origin of the name *Deadman's Point* appears uncertain,[1] although an early account suggests the narrow headland of [schist](/source/Schist) bedrock at Deadman's Point made the [Clutha River](/source/Clutha_River) ([Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_language): *Mata-Au*) a perilous crossing:

It is so-called because a man once fell from the suspension bridge which still spans the river there. He was found stiff and cold next morning, dead from heart failure. This grim story, and also the local legend that the bodies of the unfortunates who were drowned higher up the Clutha in the early days were invariably washed up at this point...

— *Waipukurau Press*, 28(173), 19 July 1933[2]

### Clyde Dam

Deadman's Point Bridge was built to replace Cromwell Bridge which was flooded in 1992–93 with the filling of Lake Dunstan. The [Clyde Dam](/source/Clyde_Dam) hydroelectric project caused the impoundment of the Clutha River at the mouth of the [Cromwell Gorge](/source/Cromwell_Gorge) near [Clyde](/source/Clyde%2C_New_Zealand). With a head of 60 m (200 ft), the Cromwell Gorge and much of Cromwell's [old town](/source/Cromwell%2C_New_Zealand#Cromwell_heritage_precinct) was flooded, necessitating a new highway through the gorge as well as a new bridge to cross Lake Dunstan.

Construction of Deadman's Point Bridge followed a lengthy debate on where the new bridge into Cromwell should be located.[3] Numerous options were considered during the early design phases of the Clyde Dam, including a bridge at the same location as the old bridge (but higher), two bridges connecting Cornish Point, a bridge extending from Cromwell's Neplusultra Street, and the Deadman's Point location.[3][4]

## Construction

The initial construction of Deadman's Point Bridge began in 1978 and continued until early 1982.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] The bridge is supported by four concrete piers, each 11 m (36 ft) wide,[5] sunk into the schist bedrock either side of the (former) main Clutha River channel. Easton Industries ([Napier](/source/Napier%2C_New_Zealand)) Ltd were charged with fabrication of the bridge's steel [trusses](/source/Truss), approximately 550 tonnes worth,[6] having won a tender for 288,874 NZD in 1978.[7] The total cost of Deadman's Point Bridge was 2.4 million NZD in 1984.[8]

Given the slope instability noted during the construction of the [Clyde Dam](/source/Clyde_Dam)[9] and the potential for earthquake-induced damage, the piers of Deadman's Point Bridge were fitted with rocking isolation hinges which allow the bridge piers to uplift and pivot during earthquake excitation.[10] The bridge's design focuses on diminishing the structural deformation and damage caused during a seismic event.[10]

Associated with the construction of Deadman's Point Bridge was road realignment and completion of State Highway SH8B. Re-sealing of this portion of road was completed in 1985.[11]

## Associated development

With consented and projected residential development occurring on both sides of SH8B,[12] this portion of road will eventually become an urban through-route. It is anticipated that the speed limit will be 50 km/h (31 mph), perhaps lower, for the overall distance between Deadman's Point Bridge and SH6.[12]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Deadman's Point"](https://mightyclutha.blogspot.com/2009/03/deadmans-point-bridge.html). *Mighty Clutha*. Retrieved 28 August 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Aptly named "Deadman's Point""](https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WPRESS19330719.2.18). *Waipukurau Press*. Vol. 28, no. 173. 19 July 1933. p. 3. Retrieved 28 August 2023.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_3-1) McElroy, E. J. (1982). [*An Analysis of Planning Procedures Associated with the Development of the Cromwell Town Plan*](https://ourarchive.otago.ac.nz/bitstream/handle/10523/11832/McElroyElissaJ1982Dip.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y) (PDF). Dunedin, NZ: Otago University (PGDip Thesis). Retrieved 30 August 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Cromwell Bridge Approaches"](https://www.codc.govt.nz/repository/libraries/id:2apsqkk8g1cxbyoqohn0/hierarchy/services/archives/archive-repository/documents/CromwellBridgeApproach.pdf) (PDF). *Central Otago District Council*. Retrieved 30 August 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Skinner, R. I; Tyler, R. G.; Heine, A. J.; Robinson, W. H. (1978). ["Hysteretic dampers for the protection of structures from earthquakes"](https://bulletin.nzsee.org.nz/index.php/bnzsee/article/view/1029/1002). *Bulletin of the New Zealand National Society for Earthquake Engineering*. **13** (1): 22–36.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Cromwell Bridge at Deadman's Point - Fabrication of Steel Trusses"](https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19780429.2.173.2). *The Press*. 29 April 1978. p. 24.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Tariff Decision List"](http://www.nzlii.org/nz/other/nz_gazette/1978/68/19.pdf) (PDF). *The New Zealand Gazette*. **68** (19). 3 August 1978.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Thompson, B. (10 May 1984). ["Soaring costs of new Clyde-Cromwell road"](https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19840510.2.120.1). *The Press*. p. 21. Retrieved 31 August 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-OBrien_9-0)** O'Brien, G. A.; Cox, S. C.; Townend, J. (2016). ["Spatially and temporally systematic hydrologic changes within large geo-engineered landslides, Cromwell Gorge, New Zealand, induced by multiple regional earthquakes"](https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/2016JB013418). *J. Geophys. Res. Solid Earth*. **121**: 8750–8773 – via AGU.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:1_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:1_10-1) Giouvanidis, A. I.; Dimitrakopoulos, E. G. (2014). ["Seismic Analysis of Hybrid Rocking Bridge Bents"](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283510502_Seismic_Analysis_of_Hybrid_Rocking_Bridge_Bents). *Second European Conference on Earthquake Engineering and Seismology. Istanbul, Turkey* – via ResearchGate.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Alexandra Residency SH6 to Deadmans Point Bridge Second Coat Seal"](https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19850209.2.218.8). *The Press*. 9 February 1985. p. 71. Retrieved 31 August 2023.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:2_12-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:2_12-1) NM Associates Ltd - Architects and Planners (2019). [*Cromwell 'Eye to the Future' Masterplan Spatial Framework Stage 1: Spatial Plan*](https://www.codc.govt.nz/repository/libraries/id:2apsqkk8g1cxbyoqohn0/hierarchy/your-council/project-updates/cromwelleyetothefuture/documents/Cromwell%20Spatial%20Framework%20-%20Stage%201%20Spatial%20Plan%20Report_LR.pdf) (PDF). Central Otago District Council.

v t e Clutha River (Mata-Au) Source: Southern Alps—Flows into: Pacific Ocean Administrative areas Otago Region Queenstown–Lakes District Central Otago District Clutha District Towns and settlements (upstream to downstream) Wānaka Albert Town Luggate Lowburn Cromwell Clyde Alexandra Lake Roxburgh Roxburgh Teviot Ettrick Millers Flat Beaumont Tuapeka Mouth Clydevale Balclutha Stirling Kaitangata Port Molyneux Major tributaries (upstream to downstream by confluence) Makarora River Matukituki River Hāwea River Cardrona River Lindis River Kawarau River Manuherikia River Teviot River Tuapeka River Pomahaka River Waitāhuna River Lakes in catchment (upstream to downstream by location or tributary) Lake Wānaka Lake Hāwea Lake Dunstan Lake Wakatipu Greenland Reservoir Manorburn Reservoir Manorburn Dam Butchers Dam Lake Roxburgh Lake Tuakitoto Islands in catchment (upstream to downstream by location or tributary) Mou Waho Pigeon Island Pig Island / Mātau Birch Island Inch Clutha Other features (upstream to downstream) Central Otago wine region Deadman's Point Bridge Old Cromwell Bridge Cromwell Gorge Clyde Dam Alexandra bridges Roxburgh Dam Kelso Balclutha Road Bridge Longest New Zealand rivers 1: Waikato 2: Clutha 3: Whanganui 4: Taieri 5: Rangitīkei 6: Mataura 7: Waiau 8: Waiau Toa / Clarence 9: Waitaki 10: Ōreti 11: Rangitaiki 12: Manawatū

v t e Central Otago District, New Zealand Seat: Alexandra Populated places Cromwell Ward Bannockburn Bendigo Cromwell Kawarau Gorge Lindis Pass Lowburn Pisa Moorings Tarras Maniototo Ward Danseys Pass Gimmerburn Ida Valley Kyeburn Naseby Oturehua Paerau Patearoa Ranfurly Waipiata Wedderburn Teviot Valley Ward Ettrick Lake Roxburgh Millers Flat Raes Junction Roxburgh Vincent Ward Alexandra Becks Cambrians Clyde Earnscleugh Fruitlands Galloway Lauder Omakau Ophir Poolburn St Bathans Geographic features Cromwell Gorge Lake Dunstan Greenland Reservoir Lake Manuherikia Maniototo Plain Manorburn Dam Facilities and attractions Alexandra Aerodrome Alexandra Blossom Festival Alexandra bridges Deadman's Point Bridge Central Otago wine region Highlands Motorsport Park Molyneux Park Government District Council Mayor Regional Council Other The Cromwell Argus Dunstan High School

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Deadman's Point Bridge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deadman's_Point_Bridge) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deadman's_Point_Bridge?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.