NZ Upgrade Programme projects in southern Auckland

Improving the whole transport network in southern Auckland

Investing in public transport, walking and cycling facilities as well as options for prioritising multiple occupancy vehicles all play an important part in building a strategic transport network which meets the needs of the people who live, work and travel in the area.

Through the Government’s New Zealand Upgrade Programme, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and KiwiRail will begin construction of $2.395 billion of transport improvements for southern Auckland within the next three years.  This includes the Papakura to Drury South project, and also Mill Road, separated walking and cycling paths, Papakura to Pukekohe rail electrification and new rail stations for Drury.  They are part of a longer-term transport network being investigated and delivered by Waka Kotahi and Auckland Council during the next 30 years to accommodate future urban growth for south Auckland.

To find out more on the New Zealand Upgrade Programme projects being delivered in southern Auckland visit:

https://www.nzta.govt.nz/planning-and-investment/nz-upgrade/auckland-package/

To find out more on the range of transport projects planned longer term in southern Auckland, visit:

https://www.supportinggrowth.govt.nz/growth-areas/south/

The Stage 1A area where construction will begin

Construction update

The process to get a construction contractor on board for Stage 1A of the project is progressing in earnest.  Stage 1A involves works within the existing motorway boundaries between Papakura interchange and the Drury BP motorway service centre just north of Otūwairoa/Slippery Creek.

We started in May by issuing an Advance Notice seeking registrations of interest from prequalified and experienced contractors, followed in July with issuing the Registration of Interest to allow for the shortlisting of applicants.

Since then, companies who registered an interest have attended an industry briefing on the project, to better understand the project and our requirements.  Multiple companies have shown an interest in bidding for the project and this month we have been meeting them to respond to questions.

The contract will be awarded later this year, with construction expected to begin with a formal ‘sod-turning’ ceremony in late 2020.

Consenting update

Consents for Stage 1A of the project, lodged in late 2019, were granted in June 2020.  This means that once a construction contractor has been appointed for Stage 1A, we already have all the necessary consents in place for them to begin work.

Once the construction contract is awarded, this also means the necessary management plans can be finalised.  The required management plans will relate to, among other things, construction noise and vibration, temporary traffic management and management of contaminated soils.  These plans will be provided to Auckland Council for certification at least 20 working days prior to construction works commencing.  Once construction is underway, the management plans certified by Council will require the team to work with residents to ensure there is clear communication.

Ground investigations on Bremner Road - August 2020

Ground investigations at Drury Interchange and Bremner Road

If you’ve driven through Drury recently, you may have spotted our team doing ground investigation works both at the Drury Interchange and in and around Bremner Road.  We’re undertaking these investigations to better understand the geology of the area to inform our design work for Stage 1B of the project.

The team uses different methods and equipment to gather and test soil and rock samples:

• Rotary core drilling which involves a rotating drill bit and downward pressure to cut into soil and rock. Samples recovered are reviewed by specialists to understand the geology, drilling depths are approximately 50 metres below ground level.

• Cone Penetration Testing (CPT), which involves a probe being pushed into the ground to an estimated depth of 30 metres to understand the soil profile. 

Prior to the above testing, the ground is checked to be clear of any underground services using a series of ground penetration scanning methods, hydro-excavation and/or hand augers.

If you see the team working alongside the road shoulder on either the motorway or local roads, please drive safely, observe any traffic controls in place and keep a safe distance.

Concept design for new Park Estate Road bridge

Replacement of Park Estate Road bridge

The existing Park Estate Road overbridge needs to be replaced as part of the project as its supporting central and side structures cannot accommodate the additional motorway lanes to be built underneath.  During its replacement, the bridge will also be raised and the eastern and western approaches on either side of SH1 will be rebuilt.

The replacement of the overbridge will be undertaken as part of Stage 1A of the project.  The new bridge is expected to be completed in time for the opening of a new school in early 2022, as the Park Estate School will be relocated from the eastern side of the bridge into the new development area on the western side.

During construction of the new bridge, access to the ‘no-exit’ western end of Park Estate Road will need to be maintained at all times (except during night-time demolition works) for existing residents and visitors, and the new developments under construction.  We are making contact with existing property owners at the western end of the road to learn more about their access needs so we can ensure that our works can accommodate their normal activities.

We’ve also been working with our Mana Whenua partners to develop a meaningful design for the north and south sides of the bridge that will face motorway traffic on SH1.  The design concept is based on a kono (food basket) which references the history of the area which was known to be a great source of food to iwi who would travel through it, and a nexus for trade.

The team has also been working with Watercare to ensure their existing services are incorporated into the new bridge, and that the design also provides for future water supply upgrades

More information

For more information on the SH1 Papakura to Bombay project, contact us at p2b@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/p2b