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( ECI ), which allows for the contractor to be involved in the design phase and ensures designs developed are robust , constructible and are appropriately staged .
During the last summer season , more than 75,000 cubic metres of earth was moved each month . Like the other sections of the Waikato Expressway , bridges are a large part of the construction work . Current efforts on the project include stabilised earth-retaining walls at the interchange bridges and structural work at the Rangiriri bridge . The Expressway route is away from the current SH1 alignment which cuts through the historic Rangiriri village – scene of a fierce battle between Maori and colonial troops in 1863 .
“ The Rangiriri project has provided plenty of challenges ,” said Peter Murphy , the Transport Agency ’ s project manager for this section . “ We are constructing a new expressway through an area of national historic and cultural significance . Working with a good team and taking the time to thoroughly engage with all our stakeholders will reward us with a project that we can all be proud of .”
Other challenges have included poor ground conditions and the quality of natural materials . The project crosses some very low-lying areas near the Waikato River . Significant ground improvement was required in order to support the embankment . The soils are of a very poor nature , and have been quite challenging for the contractors to work with .
Opening day for the Ngaruawahia section in December 2013 , with traffic crossing the Waikato River .
www . nzta . govt . nz / projects / waikato-expressway 159