Working in Alert Level 3

Now the country has moved to Alert Level 3 we have started work back on site. Keeping everyone safe is our top priority. Our team will be following specific guidelines developed by Construction Health and Safety New Zealand (CHASNZ) so work can resume safely.

These guidelines include measures such as work plans, documenting staff health and safety, physical distancing, cleaning machinery, tools and vehicles, and quick and accurate contact tracing.

Taking these steps ensures we can progress the safety improvements, while reducing the risk of COVID-19 appearing or spreading between our crew. Please respect our team, this means safely physically distancing yourself from our crews and our worksite.

Significant progress has been achieved this year on the State Highway 33 (SH33) work sites. The project map outlines the areas we have completed and where our focus is for the next six months.

Steel barriers have been installed to protect our workers and the public

Safety improvements construction update

We’ll be picking up from where we left off pre lockdown and the focus will be on the following locations:

Between Maniatutu Road and Allport Road

Refer to the green section on the project map. This is where the main construction activity is happening. It’s also where we recently installed temporary steel barriers along the side of the road. These barriers provide protection for our workers and the public and help to minimise disruption for the travelling public.

Activity along this 3.9km section includes widening the road shoulder to install a 0.8m wide centreline, installing side barriers at high-risk locations (where trees and other hazards can’t be removed), relocating services and constructing the new southbound passing lane that travels up the long hill towards Rotorua.

From Okere Falls to approximately 2km north of the Maniatutu Road intersection

Within this 4km section you can expect to see construction activity starting over the next few months. Safety improvements within this section include further shoulder widening, a wide centreline and side barriers at high-risk locations. These improvements are consistent with the other rural 100km/h sections along SH33.

Between Mourea and Okere Falls

Work within this area is on hold while we coordinate the design of the SH33 safety improvements with the proposed shared path (which is at a concept stage) and await the outcome of the speed review. We hope to have an update on progress for the community and our stakeholders over the coming months.

Completion date

The completion date for this project may be affected by the recent shutdown and future Alert Level restrictions. It is too early to know what the impact will be, but we’ll keep you updated on progress.

More information

For more information on the SH33 Te Ngae Junction to Paengaroa project, or if you have any questions, please get in touch with Justin Rae, our Communications and Engagement Advisor, on 021 390 732 or email justin.rae@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/tnj2p