Bulldozers shape the subsoils then finish the restored area with a thick layer of topsoil.

Restoring the land

We’re restoring two large tracts of land on both sides of the expressway where we have removed sand to build expressway embankments. These areas, just north of SH26 Morrinsville Road, have been filled and contoured. They are currently being topsoiled and seeded to return them to pasture.

'H' beams are being installed for the retaining wall.

Building a retaining wall on SH1

On SH1 just south of Hamilton, we’ve built a large retaining wall using steel ‘H’ beams. Once complete, we will build a shared walking/cycling path below that will eventually connect through to Tamahere and the city.

A completed panel on the angled abutment under the Gordonton Road bridge.

Coloured pavers tell a story

This video shows the final design panel being constructed from coloured pavers beneath the Gordonton Road Bridge. These panels depict the cultural significance of the star constellation Matariki (Pleiades), plus the mountains, rivers and gardening areas of the Waikato. Three bridges carry these panels – the East West Link Bridge over SH1 at Tamahere, plus the bridges on Gordonton Road and Horsham Downs Road.

Concrete is poured over the reinforcing steel joining the precast barriers to the bridge structure.

Barriers concreted in place

Barriers are concreted in place on both sides of the East Coast Main Trunk Rail Bridge at Ruakura. The last of 17 bridges on this project are almost complete.

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