Once the earthworks are complete and the subgrade (layer below the pavement) has dried out sufficiently, we can start placing and cement stabilising the sub-base – first layer of the pavement made up with aggregate (65mm diameter stone). After we’ve stabilised the subbase and it’s gained sufficient strength, we start laying the asphalt. The first two layers provide the strength and durability with the final layer of EMOGPA (Epoxy Modified Open-Graded Porous Asphalt) providing a quieter running surface. While we can continue with the construction of the first two layers of asphalt through winter, except on wet days, the EMOGPA needs warmer weather and as it’s the final icing on the cake, we want to leave it until right at the end so we’re minimising the amount of construction traffic travelling over it.

The combination of asphalt layers is referred to as Deep Lift Asphalt and while it is more expensive than traditional granular pavements, it has a longer life, performs far better under heavy traffic conditions and requires less maintenance. It also provides a smoother surface than chip-seal with a subsequent reduction in tyre noise.

As always, we are aware of the disruption that large construction projects can cause and try and be mindful of how our work may affect the public. We’re also conscious of the impact that the heavy rain that we’ve been experiencing has on our temporary roads. Our team have been responding quickly to any potholes that appear and we really appreciate your patience as we address these as quickly as possible. It’s also worth noting that sometimes we carry out a temporary repair with a more permanent repair completed as soon as we get a dry period.

Stay safe, until next time.

If you need any further information, please visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/pp2o, call us on 0800 PP2O INFO or email pp2o@nzta.govt.nz

Ngā mihi
Chris Hunt, Project Director

Women in construction

Women are making their mark in all areas of the construction industry and it is no different within the PP2Ō Expressway project. In fact, our male staff working on PP2Ō believe the construction industry needs more women. Our female colleagues have a well-earned reputation for being punctual, reliable and going the extra mile.

Recently, Ōtaki College media studies students visited our site to interview and film some of the female staff. Their stories are truly inspiring and show that the issues faced by women in construction are probably no different than any other industry.

Read more >

Shared path at southern end of alignment near Te Kowhai Road

Opening of the shared path southern section

We’re very pleased to announce that the section of shared path between Te Kowhai and Te Hapua Roads will be opened to cyclists and pedestrians by the end of August.

Read more >

Site just south of Makahuri

PP2Ō earthworks

The earthworks team has recently finished the bulk work on the section from the Rail Overpass, opposite Makahuri in Te Horo (formerly the Marycrest Catholic Girl’s School) to Te Kowhai Road, Peka Peka. The earthworks also included wetlands and topsoiling batters.

Read more >

Gracing the Expressway on the side of the Rahui Road Bridge is the artwork titled Raranga

Raranga (weaving) on Bridge 4

At the Moutere Hanganoaiho land block, underneath Rāhui Road bridge, there is a piece of bridge artwork titled Raranga (weaving).  It shows a central tukutuku or taniko pattern surrounded by raupō (bulrush) and harakeke (flax), which are both traditionally used for weaving.

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Paving the layers of asphalt near the southern end of the project

Paving our way

We are currently paving the first two layers of asphalt north of the Makahuri Rail Overpass. For those interested in the technical details, the three layers of asphalt for the PP2O Expressway consist of AC20, AC14, and EMOGPA (Epoxy Modified Open-Graded Porous Asphalt). EMOGPA is a new product that lasts much longer than other surfaces. It reduces road noise and water spray and is expected to last up to 30 years – that’s four to five times longer than standard products.

Read more >

Area north of Bridges 2 & 3, SH1 just north of Rahui Rd.

Upcoming construction milestones

Pavement works to the northern tie-in are underway and will continue until early / mid-August, when southbound state highway traffic will be switched onto a temporary road, to allow tie-in works to be completed.

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SH1 Ōtaki to Levin safety improvements

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is looking at making State Highway 1 between Ōtaki and Levin safer. When Transmission Gully and the Peka Peka to Ōtaki expressway are completed, drivers will travel from Wellington to north of Ōtaki on dual-lane, median separated highways. The proposed safety improvements are designed to transition drivers safely from this environment through to the single-lane SH1 to the north. Traffic will travel first on median separated road and then through stretches with wide centrelines, and a roundabout is proposed at the SH1/SH57 intersection.

Locals know their roads, so we want to know what you think about these proposed safety improvements and current speed limits in the area.  

Find out more and have your say on our project page:

SH1 south of Levin

Have your say before 11 August 2021.

More information

For more information on the Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway, contact us at 0800 7726 4636 or email pp2o@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/pp2o