Looking south towards Otaika Bridge – it’s all starting to take shape

Progress update

Over the past three months there's been noticeable changes on the Loop Road project. The bridge construction is progressing well, with all eight large bridge piles built on schedule. We’re also pressing on with other work around the site including the edge barriers, safety barriers, and handrails that are being made, ready to be installed.

Support frames are in place on the northern side of the site, and work on the foundation is progressing well. On the southern side of Otaika Bridge, the foundation and support structures have been set up and poured, ready for the beams.

On this project we are using Super-Tee beams, these will create the span between the bridge and the abutments or piers. The ‘super’ part of their name comes from their strength, as these beams are loaded with pre-stressed steel cables. Along with reinforcement, this allows them to span further than normal beams.

The 60-metre retaining wall and capping beam along Otaika Creek is also finished. In addtion, ground anchors have been installed and tested. Also known as tiebacks, these are rods or bars that are installed into the ground to provide extra stability.

Other work that has been completed includes installing streetlights, stormwater lines, and other utilities. One of the layers in the road under the asphalt (called the pavement subbase) has been brought in and installed on the northern approach.

Concrete kerbing and work on the shared path has started on the northern side, along with installation of barrier posts. Approximately half of the native landscaping is complete, with mulch, coconut matting, and native plants installed on topsoiled areas, creating a cost effective and environmentally friendly finish.

A different view of Northland roads

There’s more to the road than meets the eye and this photo gives us a glimpse of what we don’t often get to see. This image was taken by the project team and shows over 1.6m of road built up over the years. This was exposed alongside the Otaika Creek retaining wall.  You can also see bits of concrete columns that were used to stabilise a slip.

Check out some of our 'then and now' photos from the project

Otaika Bridge then

and Otaika Bridge now

Otaika Creek retaining wall (then and now)

Looking north towards Loop Road roundabout (then and now)

What’s coming up between now and the end of the year

Between now and the end of the year, all the Super-Tee beams will be installed across the south, north, and central spans of the Otaika Bridge. Work across the site on kerbs, barriers, wire ropes, and shared paths will also continue.

Once the pavement subbase layers are finished, we’ll be able to lay the asphalt surfacing. The retaining wall area will also be restored. During this time there will be a temporary realignment of Oaks Road to allow for later works.

The large crane on the southern side of Otaika Bridge will be removed before the end of the year and work will start on stage 2 of the diaphragm (a structure that helps distribute load more evenly across the bridge). We’ll start on stage 1 of the bridge deck pour and installation of the bridge edge barriers.

More information

For more information on the SH1 Loop Road improvements, contact us at northlandproject@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/loop-road