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Story: Bridges and tunnels

Auckland’s ‘pick-a-back’ span

Video file

This film clip shows a giant span being floated into position during the final stages of building the Auckland Harbour Bridge in 1958. The span was built on top of another span, which had already been built, then the two were barged into position between two piers, and the top span was attached. The bottom span then returned to its original position. The procedure created considerable local and international interest.

Using this item

Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga

Reference: Pictorial Parade 83. National Film Unit, 1959

Permission of Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga must be obtained before any re-use of this material.

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How to cite this page

Jock Phillips, Bridges and tunnels – Notable bridges, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/video/23649/aucklands-pick-a-back-span (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Jock Phillips, published 10 March 2010, updated 1 August 2024.