The Sharplin Falls can be found on the eastern slopes of Mt Somers, inland from Ashburton. Once hugely popular with day walkers and serious trampers alike, access to the falls was lost following significant landslides taking out the track. Not deterred, the Mt Somers Walkway Society made the call to circumvent the landslides with a brand new track that includes two spectacular footbridges. EDC were engaged to design the bridges, their access stairs and the falls viewing platform at the head of the track. This required a few “bush bashes” out to the site (and some very wet feet) to establish the location of the bridges and their dimensions, followed by the development of bridge concepts that could be replicated, largely pre-fabricated, and assembled easily. From the outset it was clear that a helicopter would be required to get the bridges to the site, so we needed to keep module weight at the forefront of our minds. The end result is two bridges that help provide easy walking to the falls, while (we think) enhancing the natural beauty of the native bush.
Due to the foresight, determination, and hours and hours of hard work, the Mt Somers Walkway Society have constructed a wonderful and hugely popular new walk that will be enjoyed for many years to come. EDC are immensely proud to have played our part in this project.
