Stormwater drainage is being installed next to SH2 and due to the high groundwater in this area it is necessary to dewater. Groundwater that is pumped through the yellow pipes (pictured) is sent to a large container where it is monitored before being discharged into the existing stormwater system.

What happened in July

Last month, work continued around the Maunganui-Girven intersection and along State Highways 2 and 29A, near Baypark.

This work included:

• Progressing construction of the new road for the Maunganui-Girven city-bound on-ramps and off-ramps on SH2 and Matapihi Road.
• Removing existing traffic islands and the roundabout at the Maunganui-Girven intersection, and replacing with cones.
• Starting the trial embankment on the empty sections along Maunganui Road.
• Utility service relocations nearing completion along the southern side of Matapihi Road, as well as the stormwater drainage on the western side of SH2 and power relocation on SH29A.
• Ground improvement investigations started for the new Baypark flyover and road, and will continue next month.

The works around Harris Street and Bayfair Shopping Centre are part of the Bayfair expansion and not related to this project.

Geogrid is a black flexible geosynthetic material used to reinforce soils and similar materials. It will be placed under all new sections of road on the project, including the citybound off ramp at the Maunganui-Girven intersection (pictured).

What to expect during August

During August the focus will continue around the Maunganui-Girven intersection and State Highways 2 and 29A as we begin pavement construction for the new northbound lanes.

You can expect:

• New road will be constructed along Matapihi Road, and on the new city-bound on and off ramps at the Maunganui-Girven intersection.
• Relocation of utilities and installing new ducting will continue on Girven Road, the northern side of Matapihi Road and SH2 northbound, between the Te Maunga intersection and Exeter Street.
• Service relocation works will continue with the installation of a new gas line near SH29A, and removing redundant overhead powerlines in the south.
• The trial embankment on the empty sections on Maunganui Road will be completed and the soil compaction and settlement rates will be monitored to inform the construction of the new embankments.
• Installation of Mechanically Stabilised Earth (MSE) walls, similar to retaining walls, will begin for the new SH29A bridge abutments.
• Ground improvements will begin in the form of stone columns for the bridge abutments, and the laying of geogrid for the new road between the new Truman Lane roundabout and Baypark flyover.

For the safety of drivers and their passengers, and also for the people working on the project, please take care driving through the site and keep to the temporary speed limits.

Within the Bay Link construction site along Matapihi Road the traffic lanes have narrowed and the temporary speed limit is now 30km/h. Please take care driving, walking and cycling through the project area.

Changes on Matapihi Road

Within the Bay Link construction site along Matapihi Road the temporary speed limit is now 30km/h, and new line marking and orange markers have been installed. The HomeZone access to Matapihi Road has become Entry Only – with the exit onto Owens Place. This is to allow for the continuation of the widening of Matapihi Road.

Access has been maintained to all of the local businesses in the area.

To achieve the right subgrade level a Total Station (pictured in the foreground) is synced with the grader’s computer system, which automatically adjusts the blade to the digger's correct level.

Building new sections of road

Pavement works will alternate between the new Maunganui-Girven intersection city-bound lanes and then move to the southern side of Matapihi Road, finishing in early September 2018.

The works will start with a grader preparing the subgrade to ensure it is at the right level before adding two layers of aggregate over the top and one layer of asphalt. Once this is finshed the new sections of road will be ready for traffic.

To get the best possible outcome each layer must reach a specified thickness and compaction level. To do this each layer needs to be independently verified. At the completion of each layer there will be a verification period before starting the next layer.

Heavy machinery must be used to meet the pavement specifications, and with a grader and vibratory roller in operation it is likely those next to the project will feel vibration. We will be carrying out regular monitoring to ensure we comply with the specified resource consent condition vibration levels.

Contact us

For more information on the Baypark to Bayfair Link upgrade project, contact us baylink@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/baylink