SH25/SH25A Thames-Coromandel

5 December 2023

SH25A bridge update

Every week is bringing us a step closer to completing the bridge. 

Last week the team finished the soil nailing which stabilises the slip-face. They are now completing the grouting and getting the mesh in place and bearing plates on the slip face.

The pavement on the western road approach was finished and the kerb and channel and transition side barriers between the road approach and the bridge installed.

On the eastern approach precast stormwater u-channels are now in place and the slope above the southern side of the road hydroseeded (pictured above).

On the bridge, the barrier stitch pours were finished and the elliptical top-rails installed. A layer of asphalt was laid on the bridge deck to level the surface.

Our next steps are to chip seal and lay the final asphalt layer all the way from one approach to the other, including on the bridge deck. This will require a few days of dry weather.

We’ll also install the side barriers on the approach roads, continue with the stormwater drainage, and working through finishing works such as line marking and installing signage.

Barrier rails being installed on the bridge.

An asphalt leveling layer was laid on the bridge deck last week.

A special delivery from Tairua School

Last week some rather special mail arrived at our Hamilton office - a beautifully made card from the pupils at Tairua School. 

The card was accompanied by a letter from the acting school principal, Sandy Blackburn, expressing the gratitude of the school community and thanking the project team for getting the road reopened ahead of schedule.

This would be “a lifeline for local businesses and our school community” she wrote.

Both our project team and contractors were delighted to receive these drawings and words – thank you so much to the Tairua School community on behalf of the entire SH25A team.

Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery Jo Wilton (left) and Senior Project Manager Alison Keenan with a card from Tairua School pupils

Meet the team - Project Administrator Michelle Pluim

Project administrator Michelle Pluim lives in Thames and works for McConnell Dowell. 

• Tell us a little bit about your work history – how long have you been doing this, what other projects have you worked on?
This is my first time working in the construction industry but I have 20 years’ experience in accounting and administration roles and it is great to be able to apply those skills to such an exciting project.

What is special about this one, and have any previous projects given you good insights for this one?
This one is special because I live locally and was here during all the storms that caused the slip. I have witnessed the devastation this has caused to the local community. It is rewarding to be part of something so close to home.

• Any local links?
Home is Thames, so I don’t have far to travel. My stepfather grew up in Thames and surrounds, it has been nice to hear his stories of the town we call home and see how it has changed over the years.

• What might locals spot you doing outside of work?
I spend the weekends with my family, my husband and two young boys, and we are either doing local bush walks, at one of the beaches up the coast or spending time with family and our local friends who have become our family.  In the summer we are at the river in the valley almost every day!

SH25 works ongoing

Repairs continue with traffic management in place at several sites around SH25.

At Ruamahunga work continues to stabilise the slip face, with stop/go traffic management in place and stop/stop when helicopters are in use. This work will be paused from 22 December until 8 January, with the road reopened to two lanes during that time.

Work to repair under-slips at Wharekaho and Pumpkin Hill will also pause from 22 December, again with both lanes available to traffic over the holiday period.

Repairs underway at Pumpkin Hill and Wharekaho

More information

For more information on the SH25/SH25A Thames-Coromandel project, contact us at coromandel@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/thames-coromandel