Welcome to the latest update where we share the progress the team has made and let you know what you can expect to see on site over the next few weeks.

Key milestones

A number of events have impacted the project's programme of works over recent months such as COVID19 and unusually wet weather. 

These events have resulted in a new timeline and we would like to share new key milestone dates with you.  Please know that these dates were identified before Northland entered COVID19 Alert Level 2 and may need further adjustment.  

Currently the project team plans to meet the following timeline:

Late August - the side barrier and footpath on the eastern side of the bridge will be constructed.
Late September - the traffic island on the bridge will be finished, and the traffic lights will be installed and activated.
Early October - the shared path under the bridge will be finished.
Mid October  -  the project will be completed.

Another step closer

The project team successfully installed the 16 beams needed to form the foundation of the southbound lanes on the new Otaika Bridge in early July.  Each beam weighs 38 tonne and is about 23 metres long.

The July weather event that affected much of Northland also delayed the tying together of the bridge beams to form a single structure and eventually the final road surface.

This work was eventually completed earlier this month.

Top picture: The first beam is lowered into place, 15 more to come. Bottom picture: Looking southbound through the project - showing 14 of the 16 beams in place

July weather event and it's impact

Like many places in Northland, the project was affected by the unusually heavy rain event last month.  The pictures below show how the force of the water flowing down the Otaika river twisted and buckled metal scaffolding the project had planned to remove one week later. 

The twisted, metal mess left behind by the force of the water had to be removed and disposed of as much of it was too badly damaged to re-use.  New scaffolding was erected in its place to enable the team to complete the remaining work.

Heavy rain also ruined newly landscaped areas which had to be redone.

More information

For more information on the Tarewa Road intersection improvements project, contact us at northlandproject@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/tarewa-road