Twin Coast Discovery Route intersection improvements

Project update – 7 September 2020

Your update from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

Welcome to the September project update for the three Waka Kotahi intersection improvement projects in Northland being delivered as part of the regional package of the NZ Upgrade Programme. This newsletter provides regular news and information about the projects.

These projects address key challenges for our regional state highway networks, including safety risks, resilience and congestion problems, accessibility and travel time reliability. The projects also support regional economic development.

Rolling initial layer of temporary road at Puketona Junction, August 2020

Temporary roading at Puketona keeps traffic moving

Earthworks and drainage for temporary roading at the Puketona Junction intersection of SH10 and SH11 are currently in progress. The temporary roading will allow safe areas for working on constructing the new roundabout. When completed, temporary steel safety barriers will safely separate traffic on the temporary roading from construction areas and other work activity.

The emergency closure of SH1 in the Mangamuka Gorge is having an impact on traffic volumes on SH10 through Puketona Junction. We have adjusted work plans to avoid contributing to travel delays on the highway and keep traffic moving through the site, including reducing our use of stop/go traffic control.

We are ensuring public access to business premises at the intersection is maintained, including to the Junction Cafe, Better Shedz, Bay of Islands Country Lodge Motel and Top Energy. These businesses are remaining open throughout the entire construction period.

If you have any concerns or queries about upcoming works, please call Mel Norris from Fulton Hogan on 0800 577 623.

Road users can also contact Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency at any time on 0800 44 44 49.

Read more about the project here

Site supervisor Andrew sweeping up debris at the intersection of SH1 and SH11, August 2020

Access to memorials at Kawakawa intersection

Construction is proceeding rapidly at the Kawakawa intersection of SH1 and SH11. We are currently widening the shoulder of Queen Street (SH1) to allow better traffic flow and setting up safe work areas at the bottom of the hillside opposite.

Our site office and other amenities in the Johnson Park car parking area are now fully functional. We have fenced off the car park area to ensure our work areas and heavy machinery are safely separated from the public. Public parking is still available on nearby Waiomio Road and Johnson Park itself (including the VE and VJ Day memorials) remains open to the public via footbridge.

Environmental concerns are a high priority for all of our work activities. We have cordoned off the kauri tree in Johnson Park and will observe all protocols for preserving its health while we work. We are also taking great care with the disposal and re-use of any debris as we remove material from traffic islands and other elements at the intersection.

If you have any concerns or queries about upcoming works, please call Mel Norris from Fulton Hogan on 0800 577 623.

Read more about the project here

More information

Questions about a Twin Coast Discovery Route project?

Contact us at northlandproject@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/twin-coast-discovery