Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway

Express CONNECT

31 March 2022


 

Kia ora

 

Welcome to the March edition of Express Connect.

The year is certainly flying by and this month felt a bit surreal with the current surge in Omicron cases hitting communities across New Zealand and the recent protest in the capital. Our thoughts go out to everyone who has been affected.

Chris Hunt

Despite these challenging times, we continue to see good progress on the PP2Ō Expressway. We knew it would be a case of when, not if, Omicron hit the project and we’ve been contingency planning for its arrival for a while. We’ve implemented RAT (Rapid Antigen Testing) on site and in our offices to detect Omicron cases quickly, then manage them appropriately as part of our defence plan against Covid-19.

We know how rapidly Omicron spreads in the community and vaccination is still our main form of protection against the virus. Earlier this month, the PP2Ō project became a fully vaccinated site for employees, visitors and subcontractors.  Ultimately, assuring the safety of our staff and visitors is paramount at this crucial time.

A key milestone achieved last month was the completion of the last section of subgrade (compacted soil) on the Expressway’s main alignment, swiftly followed by the completion of all the main alignment’s stabilised cement subbase - another fantastic accomplishment for the project. This means the asphalt team can progress laying the required two layers of deep lift asphalt (100mm of AC20 followed by 75mm of AC14), paving the way for the final layer of Epoxy Modified Open Graded Porous Asphalt to be applied. 

Our team are striving to work hard to complete the Expressway as safely and efficiently as possible. With the completion and handover of the last section of subgrade and asphalt production in full swing, it’s really important to acknowledge and celebrate the good work we’re doing to bring this significant roading asset to the Kāpiti community and the wider Wellington region.

If you need any further information, please visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/pp2o, call us on 0800 PP2O INFO or email pp2o@nzta.govt.nz

Ngā mihi
Chris Hunt, Project Director

 

Bridges 6 and 7 (Ōtaki Gorge Road bridges)
 

Bridges 6 and 7 (Ōtaki Gorge Road bridges)

Getting to know our bridges

It’s easy to forget how far we’ve come with regards to constructing the bridges for the PP2Ō Expressway. Since the beginning of the project, we’ve completed ten structures - nine bridges and one pedestrian/cycle underpass (as described below) - with six of them already open to the public. The remaining three bridges and underpass will open when the new Expressway opens up for traffic.  Bridge 1 (Waitohu Stream Bridge), Bridge 5 (Ōtaki River Bridge) and Bridge 9 (Makahuri Rail Overpass) are all located on the main alignment and are therefore part of the Expressway.

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Below: Bridge 5 (Ōtaki River Bridge)

 


Architecturally designed handrails on eastern side of Ōtaki River Bridge
 

Bridge 5 (Ōtaki River Bridge)

Bridge 5 (Ōtaki River Bridge) is the only structure on the project that will carry a section of the new shared path, which will run along the east side of the bridge. At the northern end of Bridge 5, an artwork will be installed on the shared path side complementing the bridge’s architecturally-designed black handrails. The handrails will be 1.4m high from road level and lighting will be incorporated into the handrail structure to ensure it’s safe.

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Image
 

We're seeking your ideas for a time capsule!

Much of what we know about our history has come from artefacts that tell stories of our ancestors. If you could leave a piece of Ōtaki to be discovered by future generations – what would it be?

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Northern area.

Upcoming construction milestones

  • Deep lift asphalt paving to be completed by the end of August 2022.

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More information

 
 

For more information on the Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway, contact us at 0800 7726 4636 or email pp2o@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/pp2o