The pours ran from 3.30am to about 9.30am. About 300 cubic metres of concrete, weighing 720 tonnes, was used to encapsulate the reinforced steel. About 60 truckloads were required.

Port Otago civil engineer Andy Pullar said a ''major milestone'' was achieved in late April by contractors HEB Construction, when the final large diameter tubular steel pile, which holds up the concrete deck, was driven to depth, about eight weeks ahead of schedule.

The cost for the wharf extension had risen from an estimated $15million in 2016, before tenders went out. A contract was struck at $21million.

Continue to the full ODT article Wednesday 16 May 2018