SH16

Safety Improvements

We hope you and your families are safe and well. We appreciate that the current situation with Covid-19 is unsettling and that the priority for everyone is staying safe and taking care of each other.  We’re also aware that we said in our last update that we’d update you on the project in early 2020. By updating you now, we hope to provide as much certainty as possible about what is happening on this project.

Auckland Council

Stage One: SH16 Huapai to Waimauku

Design for this stage is now complete and we have begun preparing for initial works. We are continuing to work with landowners to buy the land we need to construct the project.

The applications for the resource and designation consents are now with Auckland Council. As part of this, Auckland Council’s planning team have made site visits to review this stage.

This is part of the process of us getting consent to undertake the works. They have interest in any trees and vegetation that will need to be removed as part of the works. They also need to understand where we will be working close to streams and waterways, such as where we will be working close to the water to widen the bridges. The consents are expected to take several months to be granted.

What will you see happen next?

We were due to commence enabling work in April, beginning with relocating a gas main at Berry’s Bridge. However, with the recent announcement on COVID-19 this means we need to stop non-essential services for a period of four weeks. Construction crews across the country will be working to close down Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency construction sites. This includes the works that were scheduled to start on Berry’s Bridge.

When the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted we will get started with some initial construction where we can. The first part of the works at Berry’s Bridge will require traffic management and we will provide you with further updates with what to expect and potential impacts while this work is underway.

Subject to consent and landowner approval, we will begin works on the northern side of the road (the railway side) first. This is because we will have access to the land on this side of the road before access is gained to land on the south side of the road.

We are working with utility services providers around relocation of key services as part of this work. We are also working closely with our designer and contractors to develop the detailed construction programme. We will update you again once we have further details.

Stage Two: SH16 Brigham Creek to Kumeu

Our team is continuing to work on the design.  Through consultation with the community, we have identified a significant number of additional project requirements and consequently we need a substantial increase in funding to implement this stage.  That application for additional funding has been made and we are expecting a decision on whether increased funding is available in mid-2020.

As part of our consultation with the community, we have gone through a process to confirm that this part of the project should include a shared path. This has been included in the additional funding request. When we consulted with the community in 2018 on the idea of a shared path, there was strong support for including a shared path. See the summary of this feedback here.  

To minimise the amount of property required and traffic disruption, we need to coordinate building the path at the same time as the upgrade to the road. These changes and the need to secure additional funding mean the project timeframes and construction start date have changed. We are eager to keep progressing, so while we are waiting for a decision on funding we will continue work on the design (including the new scope), site investigations and preparing for consents required. We will start more detailed site investigations mid-2020 with surveying, services, utility location, geotechnical investigations and bore holes. This will allow us to keep progressing our design work.

The timeframe below is indicative only, as it is dependent on property acquisition, funding approval and resource consenting. We will continue to update this as progress and approvals are received.

Keeping you informed

We want to do this once and do it right. That takes time, and we understand that is frustrating. Rest assured, we are doing everything we can to get construction underway as soon as we can. As well, we are committed to keeping you up to date as progress is made.

During the shutdown work will continue on planning for this project. Waka Kotahi have an important role in keeping New Zealanders moving safely now, during this crisis, to keep vital lifelines and services open, and just as importantly in the coming months to deliver new programmes of work to rebuild and stimulate the economy.

Kia kaha and stay safe.

More information

For more information on the SH16 Brigham Creek to Waimauku project, or if you have any questions, please get in touch with Kathy Chinn, Communications and Engagement Manager, on 021 064 4777 or email Kathy.Chinn@nzta.govt.nz

Project Frequently Asked Questions

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/BC2W