The first of 14 reinforced concrete bridge beams have arrived at the State Highway 2/State Highway 58 Haywards interchange project site, with more scheduled for delivery over the coming weeks.
The beams are being trucked down from Auckland overnight, and are being accompanied by pilot vehicles.
NZ Transport Agency Highway Manager Neil Walker says the Transport Agency’s Transport Operations Centres will be in regular contact with the truck driver, to manage the road network and ensure the beams can be delivered with minimal disruption to road users.
“For each of the beam deliveries we’ll be monitoring progress down the country, through contact with the driver and by using the cameras on the highway. Transporting large and long loads like these bridge beams requires careful planning and co-ordination,” Mr Walker says.
The 14 beams are each 32 metres long and weigh 70 tonnes. 10 of them will be used to construct the elevated roundabout at the intersection, while four will be used for the pedestrian overbridge linking Annabell Grove to Manor Park railway station.
Current planning is to begin lifting the beams into place on the night of Monday 15 August, although this will depend on the weather. More information about the beam lifts will be provided closer to the time, including details of traffic management and possible delays to journeys in the area.
The beams for the pedestrian bridge will be transported down the country and installed in October.
