The NZ Transport Agency has awarded the contract for the construction of the 13 km Peka Peka to Ōtaki section of the Kāpiti Expressway to Fletcher Construction, with work on the ground set to get under way in mid-2017.
“The tender process was extremely competitive, and the shortlist was assessed against a large number of criteria including overall cost, environmental management and community engagement,” Neil Walker, NZ Transport Agency Wellington Highway Manager says.
“Fletcher will now proceed with detailed design, environmental planning and other enabling works for the project. This will include further community consultation. Major construction activities are planned to start in mid-2017.
“Fletcher and its partners will be able to build on the strong relationships they’ve forged with the community as part of the alliance constructing the Mackays to Peka Peka Expressway. We’re looking forward to a continuation of the collaborative approach they’ve become known for during that project,” Mr Walker says.
The Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway forms a key part of the Wellington Northern Corridor, which is one of the Government’s roads of national significance. The Transmission Gully motorway, Mackays to Peka Peka and Peka Peka to Ōtaki expressways are the main infrastructural developments of the corridor.
Once these projects are complete, the Wellington CBD will be linked to the northern Kāpiti Coast by around 80km of four-lane, motorway-quality road, with a central barrier and grade separations throughout. It will improve safety, efficiency and journey reliability, while providing a more resilient route in the event of a natural disaster. Making travel for people and freight safer, more efficient and reliable will also support the region’s economic growth and productivity.
The Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway route runs parallel to the existing State Highway 1 through Peka Peka, before crossing above the existing road and rail line at Mary Crest. The route continues to the east of the rail line, crosses the Ōtaki River, then runs to the east of Ōtaki. It crosses back over the existing State Highway 1 near County Road, before re-joining the existing State Highway 1 at Taylors Road, north of Ōtaki.
Enabling works will start early 2017. Major physical construction is planned to start in mid-2017. The route is expected to open to traffic in 2020.
It is expected the project will cost approximately $330 million. This includes investigation, design, property and construction.
Beca, Tonkin & Taylor, and Goodmans Contractors.
The tenderers are assessed against a wide range of criteria, including environmental management, structures (bridges and overpasses), community engagement and communications, flood protection, pavements, lighting and overall cost. The tenderer which most closely meets the Transport Agency’s requirements, as well as the criteria outlined during the Board of Inquiry phase, is awarded the contract.
Cycle and walking paths will be built on the local road connection being constructed as part of the project. Cycle and walking links will be provided through Pare-o-Matangi Reserve to the Ōtaki Railway Station and the Ōtaki shops.
During the revocation process for the existing State Highway 1 it is expected that additional cycling and walking facilities will form part of the plans for the existing State Highway 1 when it is expected to revert to a local road. The southern end of these proposed cycling and walking facilities will link to the cycleway/walkway/bridleway that has been constructed alongside the Mackays to Peka Peka Expressway.
The existing State Highway 1 will be officially ‘revoked’, meaning its state highway status will be removed, and it will become a local road, administered and maintained by the Kāpiti Coast District Council. This process will involve extensive community consultation, and will be run in partnership between the NZ Transport Agency and the Kāpiti Coast District Council.
To meet the consent conditions for this project, the Transport Agency requires Fletcher to engage and consult with the community and interested parties. More information on timeframes and the scope of community involvement will be developed by Fletcher and made available as soon as it is completed.
The revocation process is expected to start in 2017. The process will be jointly run by the NZ Transport Agency and the Kāpiti Coast District Council. More information on timeframes, scope and community involvement will be available in 2017.
www.nzta.govt.nz/peka-peka-to-otaki-expressway/(external link)
