SH25/SH25A Thames-Coromandel

6 November 2023

SH25A Taparahi Update

Our team faced a challenging start to the week with the bad weather, but managed to continue placing the precast deck panels, drill soil nails to stabilise the slip face, and complete the earthworks at the eastern approach to the bridge.

By last Sunday 70 precast panels had been installed. As the panels are put in place they are ‘stitched’ together with steel reinforcement and concrete. Our steel fixers have already begun putting in the reinforcement, and the first of three concrete pours is scheduled for early this week.

The first of two new drainage road crossings was completed and one of the 100T cranes was also demobilised as it is no longer required.

This week, weather permitting, the plan is to continue placing the precast deck panels and prepare for the deck stitch concrete pours.

The team drilling for the soil nails made great progress on the slip face last week, working both day and night shifts.

Top left - looking west from the new bridge; top right our night-shift soil nailing crew at work; bottom left, deck panels in place; bottom right the eastern approach to the new bridge.

Meet the team: Structures Foreman Andrew Pluim

Structures Foreman Andrew Pluim works for McConnell Dowell and as a Thames resident, is enjoying the short commute to work. 

• Any local links?

Home for me is Thames so it's great to have such an amazing opportunity to work here on this project. Being close to home and not having to work away from my family is great. 

• Tell us a little bit about your work history – how long have you been doing this, what other projects have you worked on?

I have been working in the construction industry for 20+ years across various sectors. Some of the highlights being the City Rail Link in Auckland, oil and gas projects in western Australia and most recently the Old Māngere Bridge Replacement project – Ngā Hāu Māngere bridge.

• What is special about this one, and have any previous projects given you good insights for this one?

This is a special project to be involved in because of the importance to the local community. It's fast paced and in a very challenging environment. Being involved in other Waka Kotahi projects previously gives me an understanding of what is expected from our team. Good communication, high quality work levels and also a safe and healthy workplace.

• What might locals spot you doing outside of work – sports/hobbies/interests?

Outside of work you will find me spending time with my beautiful wife and two young boys. We all love spending time together up the Kauaeranga Valley exploring the walking trails and swimming in the river in the warmer months. Once SH25A is reopened I'm looking forward to getting back across to the surf spots on the east coast.

Maintenance and recovery works

• SH25 Thames: Road resurfacing begins Sunday 12 November on SH25, south of the Goldfields shopping centre. The work will take place at night for two weeks, during this time stop/go traffic management will be in place, and from time-to-time side roads will be closed to help finish the work as quickly as possible. The affected side roads include Willoughby Street, Richmond Street and Sealey Street, access for residents will be provided from Pollen Street. Access to Richmond Street West will be maintained at all times.

• SH26 Puriri: Work to repair the road pavement began on Monday 6 November south of Kōpū, near Puriri. The work is expected to be completed within two weeks with stop/go traffic management.

• SH26 Murray Road: Asphalt resurfacing began on Sunday 5 November, and is expected to take one week to complete. Stop/go traffic management will be in place between 8pm and 5am each night. Minor delays are expected.

More information

For more information on the SH25/SH25A Thames-Coromandel project, contact us at coromandel@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/thames-coromandel