Waikato Expressway Project – NZ Transport
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 .
Upcoming work – Huntly , Hamilton and Longswamp sections The Huntly section of the Waikato Expressway is in the physical works procurement stage , and will soon go to tender for detailed design and construction . The 15.4km project has a target contract award of April
“ We ’ ve established a haul road along the site , closed some roads , put up temporary traffic signals , created a diversion road , and moved a lot of earth … and right through it all the people have been wonderful .” – Cambridge section HEB Construction ’ s Gary Budden “ I think they really ‘ get ’ what we are doing here and what will be achieved .”
306 September 2014