2. SH1 traffic switch completed

On Monday, 8 July we successfully switched SH1 traffic at Tamahere on to new lanes running under the East West Link Bridge. A temporary intersection has been set up opposite Bollard Road to provide access on to the new lanes for residents in Cherry Lane, Bollard Road and the section of Cambridge Road in between. This will remain in place until the project is completed. Traffic is flowing more smoothly on the new lanes.

3. Unlocking the next phase

The SH1 traffic switch has unlocked a new phase of construction. Finishing works at the East West Link Bridge are already under way. Cambridge Road north of Cherry Lane has closed. In spring, excavators will dig through the old highway to connect the expressway route on either side. Dumptrucks will haul sand over the bridge to build a new link road to Birchwood Lane. The photo below shows earthmoving machines working on the old highway north of Cherry Lane while traffic runs on the new lanes below.

4. Bridge ‘bones’ in place at Mangaonua

Construction of the ‘bones’ for the Mangaonua Stream Bridge was completed this month. The ‘bones’ are four beams stretching 150m from one stream bank to the other. They were lifted into place in sections and bolted together, along with smaller connecting beams and bracing. Next step is to place 600 prefabricated concrete deck sections in place.

5. Powells Road approaches in place

The embankments that will take the expressway up and over Powells Road are now in place. The weight of these new embankments will cause the soil beneath to settle over the next three-plus months. Once our settlement targets are met, the material placed on top of Powells Road will be removed, and ground improvements will begin, prior to building the box culvert underpass. Ground improvement prevents liquefaction during earthquakes.

More information

For more information on the Hamilton section of the Waikato Expressway, contact us at waikatoexpressway@nzta.govt.nz or phone us on 0800 322 044.

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