Here’s the latest information on the Transmission Gully project.
Mackay’s Crossing: At the northern end of the project, near Queen Elizabeth Park, drainage works continue in preparation for the first section of road pavement.
We have changed the road layout on SH1, moving lanes closer to the eastern side, so our teams can work safely on the western side of the motorway. In approximately six weeks, the lanes closer to the western side will be moved over to allow for works on the eastern side to get underway. Keep an eye on the VMS boards for more information. Please take care when driving through this area.
By early August, traffic will be moved over from SH1 onto a new section of Coast Rd. This will allow completion of works to join the Transmission Gully motorway with the Kapiti Expressway. We’ll keep you updated on works and what to expect leading up to the switch over.
Reinforced earth wall construction for Bridge 2 is progressing well, with the services corridor that will run under the bridge nearly complete. Barriers near our site entrance have now been moved, and cyclists now have enough room both north and southbound within the existing shoulder of SH1. The temporary cycle pathway beside the highway will now be closed.
Wainui Saddle area: Through the Wainui Saddle, bulk earthworks continue with the teams making the most of the good weather. These works will continue until May, when our reduced winter works programme will start.
We’re currently focussed on Horokiri Stream diversion works, with the team set to release water into another section of its permanent channel in early May.
Works on the new habitat for the lizards that were temporarily rehomed in the Nga Manu Nature Reserve remain a focus for our environmental team. Predator control continues around the newly created boulder fields, with planning underway to return the lizards to their new home this month.
Further south, towards Battle Hill Farm Forest Park, works continue to bring the road alignment up to subgrade level. Construction of the bridges in this area is also progressing well. A section of stream diversion works for Bridge 4 is now complete and foundation works are now underway. Recently, super T precast concrete beams were lifted into place for Bridge 6.
Gas pipeline relocation works are now complete beside our site compound on Paekakariki Hill Road. This is a major milestone for the project, marking the completion of all gas pipeline relocations for the project.
SH58: Construction of the new SH58 Interchange bridges is well underway. In early April, the road layout past our site will be changing, and the speed limit will be temporarily reduced to 30km/h. This will create a safe work area for teams working on the SH58 Interchange. Later this year, we plan to shift traffic from the current alignment of SH58 onto the new permanent road on the southern side past our site offices. We will communicate more about this closer to the time.
Cannons Creek bridge: Construction works are progressing well for the bridge, with four of the nine pours for pier 1 complete, and six of the nine permanent rock anchors installed. Teams are currently assembling and installing the reinforcing cages for pier 2.
The first two shipments of launching gear for the bridge’s girders have arrived onsite and the scale version of the bearings for the launching gear has been successfully tested. We’re also expecting the first of the bridge’s massive steel girders onsite from Napier in early April.
Written by Geoff Mowday at Whitby Newsbrief