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Express CONNECT |
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25 May 2022 |
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Our efforts to develop an attractive and sustainable landscape by the Expressway is shaping up to be a real success story for the project. This month alone we planted 24,000 plants, taking the total number of new plants put in along the Expressway to an eyewatering 765,000 plants. This brings us to 90% completion of all planting for this project. I’m sure that when the first drivers experience the Expressway, they’ll observe a design that is sensitive to and supports the Kāpiti District landscape. The Expressway features a multitude of attractive wetlands and stormwater treatment ponds which are already extensively planted and functioning well in advance of the road opening. This is proof of what taking the time to ensure great design, followed by excellent delivery, can achieve. My thanks go to all the teams involved for the outstanding environmental outcomes during delivery and those that we now see culminating in a ‘green corridor’ which enhances the unique character of the area. As mentioned last month, we’ve been pushing to get as much asphalt and paving completed while we still have the warmer dry days before winter fully sets in. In terms of numbers this month, we’ve laid more than 100,000 tons of deep lift asphalt on the main alignment and 94% of AC20 and 80% of AC14 are now complete. As a reminder, both AC20 and AC14 are components of the Expressway’s 175mm structural paving (also called ‘deep lift’ asphalt), which are the first two layers of asphalt we lay before applying the ‘icing on the cake’ - 25mm of EMOGPA (Epoxy Modified Open Graded Porous Asphalt). Unfortunately the colder, wetter winter weather prevents the laying of thin surfaces such as EMOGPA due to low ground/air temperatures which pose a risk to the quality and durability of the product during placement. In the meantime, we’ve been testing our EMOGPA methodology so we’re ready to start laying it when the weather becomes kinder in September, using the best mix and technique possible. The focus over the next four months will be completing the asphalt works on the Expressway’s main alignment followed by the ‘interchanges’ i.e. the on and off ramps. As these ‘tie-ins’ near completion, this is the time to start raising awareness within the community of how the Expressway will connect to local roads at the new entry and exit points. You’ll see us starting to communicate more about using the Expressway as we head towards opening which we expect to take place in late 2022. As part of our familiarisation campaign, there’s an exciting event happening over Queen’s birthday weekend with Steam Incorporated offering three trips on their steam train between Paraparaumu and Manakau on Sunday 5 June. There will be speakers from the PP2Ō project team onboard each of the trips to give a unique view and an insider’s glimpse into the construction of the Expressway. We have two free tickets to give away - details about how to go in the draw and/or purchase tickets are in this edition of Express Connect further down. The Peka to Ōtaki Expressway is an exciting new link in the chain providing further completion of the Wellington Northern Corridor Roads of National Significance. Once complete it will provide a safer, more resilient and efficient route between Wellington and the North, as well as a ‘green corridor’ with habitats and plantings to make the journey more attractive and sustainable. We look forward to sharing the Expressway with you when the time comes. 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 |
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New entry and exit points being completed with landscaping. |
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PP2Ō in numbersIf you’ve missed our recent newsletters, here is a summary of the Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway project in numbers:
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Gateway markers and artworks to support Expressway experienceA number of artworks and design features will support the Expressway journey, with great progress being made on the production of these this month. A unique vertical sculpture, designed by PiriHira Tukapua, will act as a bridge marker located at the Northern end of the Ōtaki River Bridge. The concrete foundation for this has begun to be poured. |
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L-R: Hoani Carkeek, Donna Carkeek, Oriwa Carkeek (Kaitiaki), Amo Clark, Mini Clark (Kaitiaki) and Rawiri Rikihana (Kaitiaki). Kaumatua visit ExpresswayThis month we had distinguished local Kaumatua hosted on site by our Health and Safety team member, Esther Blake. These tours will be an ongoing event for Kaumatua every fortnight and we look forward to showing them the progress being made. |
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See how the Expressway is progressing from onboard a steam train!If you want a great excursion for the family on Queen’s birthday then look no further! On Sunday 5 June, Steam Incorporated will be running train trips between Paraparaumu and Manakau with some of our PP2O team onboard pointing out key features along the way. |
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Time capsule artefacts wantedThe callout for time capsule artefacts continues. If you could leave a piece of history to be discovered by future generations as part of the PP2Ō time capsule what would it be? |
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PP2Ō Expressway Team supports Pink RibbonThe team this month raised over $350, and counting, in support of breast cancer awareness at our ‘monthly share’ meeting. It was great to be able to support this good cause along with enjoying some tasty treats to start the day. |
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Northern area. Upcoming construction milestones
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More information |
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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 |
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