Construction through COVID-19 lockdown

The recent Auckland lockdown and COVID-19 Alert Level 3 and 4 restrictions brought in additional challenges for our programmes and budgets.

However, the Dome Valley project team pushed on with work to make the most of the lighter traffic conditions (brought in by the alert levels), to minimise disruption and complete the work as quickly as possible.

Essential works continued during COVID-19 Alert Level 3.

A summary of work completed

Pavement construction has begun in Stages 3 and 5, which involves building the new carriageway, sealing, line-marking, erecting signage and installation of flexible median safety barriers in designated areas.

There have been six Enhancement Treatment Areas (ETA) constructed over the Dome Valley. These ETAs treat stormwater runoff by using existing grass and dense vegetation to act as informal filters. They will provide low management and quality treatment to the area around the Hoteo River catchment.

Construction of a soil nail wall (a retaining wall reinforced by grouted, tension resisting steel nails), in stage 5 has begun. This will help stabilise the hillside around areas where excavation is taking place,

Waka Kotahi has been working with Vector which needed to upgrade its infrastructure, to future-proof power supply to the North and support population growth in the area. Vector did the ducting work, while Waka Kotahi was preparing for pavement construction works. This means they won’t need to lift up pavement in the future. More than 10km of ducting has been installed, running from Warkworth to the Wellsford Substation.

Christmas closure

Waka Kotahi has closed down its worksites from December 23 until January 6 to minimise disruption for holiday traffic.

Please note that the speed limit through the Dome Valley site has been reduced to 50km/h, for safe driving through the construction site.

The speed limit through the Dome Valley site has been reduced to 50km/h, for safe driving through the construction site.

Waka Kotahi’s top tips for safe holiday journeys

Plan ahead. Make sure your vehicle is safe to drive. Check your tyre pressure, lights and indicators, windscreen and wipers before you head off, and plan ahead to avoid peak traffic where you can. Build in extra time for rest stops or sightseeing breaks along the way. Waka Kotahi has crunched the numbers from previous holiday periods to produce a great interactive map which can help you avoid some of the busiest times on our busiest roads.

Don’t drink and drive. Your judgement and reaction times behind the wheel begin to deteriorate after even one drink. Keep it simple – if you’re going to drink, don’t drive. Also be aware of any medication you’re taking that might affect your driving.

Watch out for fatigue. Long trips are tiring and fatigue can be deadly behind the wheel. Get a good night’s sleep beforehand, plan in advance where you’ll take breaks, and share the driving if you can.

Slow down and drive to the conditions. This isn’t just about the speed limit, it’s also about the weather conditions, the road you’re on, the traffic, your vehicle and load, your following distance, and adjusting your driving for wet and windy conditions.

Keep your cool. Holiday driving can be frustrating with busy roads, stifling heat, and restless kids in the car. So please, be courteous and patient on the roads. Don’t get provoked by other drivers’ aggressive behaviour, and wait to overtake until you get to a passing lane or can see plenty of clear road ahead of you to do it safely.  And be sure to take enough games, books, or electronics to keep the kids occupied along the way.

Buckle up. Don’t let your family holiday be marred by tragedy simply because someone didn’t buckle up. If you’re the driver, you are legally responsible for making sure all passengers under the age of 15 are securely restrained with either a safety belt or child restraint. Children must be properly restrained by an approved child restraint until their 7th birthday.

More information

For more information on the SH1 Dome Valley project, contact us at northlandproject@nzta.govt.nz

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