JUNE 2021

1. Project completion update

A recent review has seen the completion date for the Hamilton section of the Waikato Expressway moved to mid-2022.

Like many infrastructure projects across the country, the Hamilton section has been significantly impacted by COVID-19. This has added pressure to existing labour and material shortages. The project also encountered more challenging ground conditions than were expected and planned for, Waka Kotahi’s Infrastructure Delivery Regional Manager Jo Wilton said today.

This includes the unanticipated growth of an algal material (iron ochre) in the subsoil drainage network south of Ruakura, which has required a significant redesign to raise more than 800m of the four-lane highway by up to 700mm.

“We also recently discovered peat on Resolution Drive Extension which will need to be dug out and replaced with an engineered fill to minimise settlement of the road,” Ms Wilton said. “This means it will take longer to finish the Hamilton section than originally planned and it’s now expected to open in mid-2022. Waka Kotahi is working closely with the project contractors to ensure this key transport corridor is completed as quickly as possible, while ensuring the work meets our quality and safety standards and expectations.’’

The 22km Hamilton section is the final piece in of the 102km Waikato Expressway – which has seen SH1 four-laned from Bombay to south of Cambridge.

The updated timeframe will also increase the likelihood that a key connection – Hamilton City Council’s link to the Ruakura Interchange – will be completed at the time of the Hamilton section opening. “Our preference is to open the Hamilton section as a complete package, including all connections, and we will continue to work closely with our partners to align timings as much as possible.”

The main focus as the project heads to completion is on pavement construction and sealing as well as completion of Resolution Drive Extension out to the expressway. Safety barriers, lighting, signage and line-marking are well under way.

“We know there are a lot of people who are looking forward to the opening of the Hamilton section as much as we are, and we are confident it will be worth the wait,” Ms Wilton said.

The photo below shows asphalt being laid at the southern interchange.

2. Speed limit update

The Hamilton section has been designed and built to a standard that allows a speed limit of 110km/h. Waka Kotahi is working to bring other sections of the Waikato Expressway up to the same standard and intend to consult with the public and stakeholders this year to get their thoughts on a 110km/h speed limit across a large part of the Waikato Expressway.

If the decision is made to implement a 110km/h speed limit, Waka Kotahi would aim to have this in place in time for the opening of the Hamilton section.

3. Underpass lifted into place

A walking and cycling underpass is being constructed near Tennille St in Rototuna. The underpass will connect the shared walking/cycling paths on each side of the Resolution Drive extension that will connect with the Waikato Expressway. The photo below shows the first section of underpass being lifted into position. Prefabricated sections have been built off-site and trucked in. The underpass is now in place, and the extension road will be built on top.

4. Asphalt laid on local road links

We’re using the winter months to complete asphalt surfacing on the expressway’s key connections to the local road network. This week we had one crew at Tamahere laying the final quiet surface where our new Link Road connects with Birchwood Lane. A second crew was laying asphalt on the roundabouts at the Greenhill Interchange. The video below shows asphalting under the East West Bridge at Tamahere.

5. Barriers prevent deaths and injuries

72km of flexible barriers are being installed on the new expressway. Barriers will extend along the centreline for the full 22km to prevent head-on crashes. Barriers will also extend along both edge lines to prevent vehicles running off the road. The video below shows the ropes being installed in the north. Sign installation and road marking is also under way.

6. Cultural reserve takes shape

A 1.8ha cultural reserve is being created beside the new East West Link Road at Tamahere. The reserve is being built around an archaeological site – a borrow pit where Maori excavated sand and gravel for cultivating kumara. Special land forms are being created on the site, including a lookout with views of an historic paa site beside the East West Gully. The photo below shows an excavator and bulldozer shaping and topsoiling the reserve.

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