Construction update

Welcome to the January 2020 Construction Update

With all motorway lanes now open across the SCI Project area, and following the Christmas shutdown period between 20 December and 6 January, the focus in the New Year is on laying final epoxy-modified open grade porous asphalt (EMOGPA) surfacing, completion of the Great South Road-Takanini Interchange and building community connections through the walking and cycling pathway.

Here is the latest on what’s been happening across the project over the last month, as well as what we have left to complete in early 2020.

All new motorway lanes being delivered by the SCI project have now been opened

Pre-seal works are almost complete before the final EMOGPA surface is laid

Final road surfacing begins

January was spent completing preseal works all along the motorway, in preparation for final surfacing. Old lighting foundations and redundant services have been removed, barriers moved and final ducting installed.

Final surfacing works will begin on the southbound lanes in early February. Weather and construction issues permitting, final surfacing on the northbound lanes will begin in early March.

The final surfacing will be completed using EMOGPA – epoxy-modified open grade porous asphalt - a longer-lasting modern road surface that reduces road noise and water spray.

The more-durable EMOGPA surface is expected to last up to 30 years, four to five times longer than standard asphalt products. This will mean less disruption to road users for maintenance and resurfacing activities, and much better long-term value.

Residents will notice a distinct reduction in the noise made by passing traffic once the EMOGPA is laid.

Final lane marking will be completed after the EMOGPA has been laid.

Under-bridge protection prevents motorway debris falling onto the train tracks below

Rail protection installed over Christmas break

KiwiRail shut down the Main Trunk Rail Line for maintenance after Christmas and the SCI Project team took advantage of the opportunity to complete under-bridge protection works.

The section of motorway that reaches over the rail line and Great South Road features specially-strengthened barriers to protect everyone in the event of an accident. It’s a priority for barriers to protect motorway users, and when the motorway crosses over a major road and a railway, there is an added need to prevent any motorway debris spilling over onto traffic or rails below.

Thanks to the KiwiRail shutdown, the SCI Project team was able to dismantle the temporary crash deck, barriers and scaffolding, and build longer-lasting protection. The work was completed before the end of 2019.

The team also removed localised graffiti, cut back the overgrown weeds, removed rubbish and tidied up the environment under the bridge.

The pathway will be completed in early 2020

Walking and cycling pathway to be completed in early 2020

Work is continuing on the walking and cycling pathway that will link Papakura to Takanini and communities in between.

Much of the concrete has been poured for the pathway that connects Papakura to Takanini, but some work remains to link the sections together, link the pathway to the footbridge over the motorway at Pescara Point and complete the rest and recreation spaces along the way.

Pool-style fencing will be installed between the pathway and the motorway where the path is located on land.  Specially-designed balustrading will be installed on the bridge sections of the path that cross the water at Pahurehure Inlet.

Takanini Interchange and Great South Road will be completed in mid-2020

Update on completion of Takanini Interchange and Great South Road improvements

January saw work recommence at Great South Road. The southbound Takanini off and on-ramps will have a new, smoother and safer alignment and work has begun on widening Great South Road.

The upgrade in this corridor requires working around many underground utilities which run under and alongside Great South Road. This means the work can be slower than expected, to ensure safety around these services.

The interchange will be completed and given its final seal in mid-2020. Lighting improvements, stormwater treatment, landscaping and urban design features will also be completed.

For further information

We hope you have enjoyed this construction update and we look forward to letting you know more about the construction works still remaining to be completed for the project.

If you have any questions or queries, please contact our team on free phone 0508 NZTA SCI (0508 6982 724) or at southerncorridor@nzta.govt.nz. And feel free to visit us at the Project Office located at 8-12 Great South Road, Takanini (behind the Gull petrol station).