2. And we’re moving our blending plant

Meanwhile, the team building two layers of rock pavement for the expressway are making rapid progress. Approximately 60% of the rock pavement is already complete. These layers are now being sealed with an emulsion prime coat that penetrates the surface. The bound surface will then be sealed with bitumen and stone chip to provide a waterproof layer. Asphalt will then be delivered hot from the asphalt plant, laid on top of the chip seal and compacted with vibrating rollers. This will create the final smooth surface for the expressway. The photo below shows Hi-Lab pavement under construction at Ruakura.

The project’s rock blending plant will be relocated from Lake Road at the northern end of the project to a more central site at Puketaha. This will reduce travel times for the fleet of trucks carting Hi-Lab rock to build road pavement in the south.

3. Adding the barriers at Mangaonua

Construction of our longest bridge – the 150m-long Mangaonua Stream Bridge near Morrinsville Road – is almost complete. This video shows concrete barriers being lifted into place and secured along the edge of the bridge. Bridge building will be completed across the project this year.

4. Shaping up at Tamahere

Diggers and dump trucks have been shaping and top soiling the final earth bunds at the Southern Interchange over winter. These are then finished with a layer of wood mulch before being planted. The video below shows a digger and dump truck working near the Cambridge Road Bridge, and some 'synchronised spreading' by bobcats nearby.

5. Building links to local roads

At Tamahere, our teams are working their way north from Bollard Road to Cherry Lane rebuilding an old section of SH1, installing improved drainage and building a 3m-wide shared walking/cycling path. To keep residents and workers safe, access through the work site is one way, controlled by traffic signals. A separate path is provided for walking and cycling.

At Ruakura, teams will complete drainage and landscaping along Ruakura Road in August and September.

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